SPA CONTEST RESULTS FOR 2006
As always, where pictures are present click on the picture for a larger view.

Ashville North Carolina September 16, 2006The first “Land of the Sky” SPA pattern meet is now part of SPA history, 2006. I have said repeatedly, and I’ll say again just how much I personally appreciated the support of everyone who had faith in our little effort, and came out for the "Meet and Greet" at my house, and later the Asheville contest. Several of those staying over Saturday night went out later and had dinner at a not-so-typical Japanese steakhouse.

The house Meet & Greet was everything I had hoped it would be. I intended it to be a change of pace from the normal Friday evening of arriving at the motel and finding a few folks to have dinner with--as far as I know everybody with a hotel room came over for an informal get together and cook-out. After dinner, Jamie Strong brought a DVD of---himself---a kind-of "this is Your R/C Life--Jamie Strong", where we were able to follow his early RC career. It was great identifying the old, (new at the time), pattern planes, and we realized that Jamie did not always look like he does now:)

There were more newcomers to SPA as both Dan, (Deadstick), Hines of Carolina Custom Aircraft, and Jeff Petroski of Home and Hobby Solutions, (who donated raffle prizes), came up for the get-together and the competition—it was great for SPA members to be able to meet and discuss vintage kits and kit ideas with these manufacturers face to face prior to the contest. By Saturday most everybody knew everybody already. The only complaint I have is folks didn't eat enough, (or we had too much):)

Every SPA meet is different, and this one was no different--this was the first one I've been to with FOG, (and as many of the pictures show, not just a little fog). This time of year, the nights really start to cool off--Thursday night the low was 57*, and Friday night, the thermometer dipped down to 52* You know what happens when you take basically the same air that's in Charlotte of Atlanta, and cool it down to 52*??---you get FOOGG, especially in the river valleys where our field just happens to be. (Friday the fog "burned off" at 10AM, and because it was even cooler, Saturday----the contest date, it wasn't gone 'till about 11AM---very frustrating for everyone. A couple brave souls tested out the ceiling when things finally started to clear. I remember in particular Scott Anderson's plane disappearing into the mist for a couple seconds, (seemed longer), at the top of a large loop---a little bit like a "stealth" SPA aircraft, but instead of disappearing from the radar, it disappered from sight. After the fog burned off, the skies were bright, winds were usually light, manageable, and down the runway, and best of all, the temps were in the upper 70s--a great, although short day of flying. Finally the word was given, and we were on our way to a great contest.

The important thing for me was that everyone seemed to have a good time in spite of either NO SUN or TOO MUCH SUN late in the afternoon--it was all part of the challenge. There was so much SPA support for the contest; I received so much needed help in critical positions, (ie computer, flight board), from people like Joel Hebert, and Mike Miller from KCRC. In fact Gary Lindner made the point of saying he WANTED to be there just to help---and he did. We had lots of Novice flyers, (nine), but not enough Expert pilots which created a judging challenge, but as Mike Miller has already said, everybody was helpful, chipped in with judging suggestions, and did whatever was needed without complaint. There was also invaluable help from several of the local ABA club members--many of which had never even SEEN a pattern meet, much less an SPA contest--( I am presently the LONE aerobatic flyer around here), without all these people, it wouldn't have turned out the same.

There were several first-timers, either as competitors or spectators. In addition to Jeff Petroski, and Dan (Deadstick) Hines, Jim Hamilton made it to his first SPA event, and was not disappointed with what he saw. He told me he was supposed to report back to other potentially interested flyers in the New Jersey area about whether SPA is really as much fun as we have been telling them it is--he is going to give them a good report, and he'll be back. Also brand new to the "SPA Experience" Doug Whitaker, (who took 2nd place in Novice), and Steve Vergamini added to the large field of Novice, (future Experts) Pilots.

Thanks again--I hope you enjoyed your time in Asheville, and maybe we'll hold another meet in the Asheville area next year. We already have an invitation to hold a two-day event at a different site, (I haven't seen), next year.

Duane
SPA PIO

KNOXVILLE, TN..........May 21, 2006 Several of us "ole-timers" have been contesting in Knoxville since the invention of DIRT, I suppose. One often wonders "How does a model club like KCRC keep on doing such a spectacular job of holding and conducting such a GREAT contest?".

Well, I for one, can attest to the fact that, like Marty Kings' article in the current SPA newsletter, "it takes WORK and cooperation "! An excellent Contest Director that surrounds himself with capable people. Scorekeepers, announcer, runners, some qualified club judges, Jacks of all trades and master of all of them. Dennis Hunt is that kind of CD, his expertise was evident all this weekend, with the only stalled action because of a couple of strong thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon...but even with the two storms, 23 excellent pilots flew at the "most scenic flying site in the South". Senior Expert flew 5 full rounds, all other classes 6 full rounds. Other than the thundershowers, the weather was very nice...a moderate current blowing in challenged pilots slightly.

It was heartbreaking to view Vic Koening go in on the runway with his lovely Dirty-Birdy # 1. He went to the vehicle and brought out another DB....just as handsome as number one. Vic told your' PIO...."I read of the helpfulness among the SPA fraternity.....do I ever realize it now". He continued," club members and other flyers retrieved all my pieces and were offering consolation all over the field." This is indeed a GREAT group!

Duane Wilson was fortunate that the receiver in his good-lookin' King ALTAIR went out just as he was preparing to take-off after a rain delay. It was ironic...he had just taken off when announcer Mike Miller said, "you pilots may land right away". The receiver failed prior to resuming that flight. Divinity? Hmmmmmmmm

Duane received a LARGE "thank-you" award from SPA (presented him by Founder Mickey Walker)..for the interest he has generated in SPA via his article in the May issue of Model Aviation. Dennis Hunt, in announcing the award said," Duane's article has sparked interest in all parts of our country and added, its' had a resounding effect on Zimpro (Dennis's Model Company)....I'm sending Daddy Rabbits in all directions". Steve Byrum said he had processed many new applications for SPA membership and was pleased to shed info on SPA from any modelers asking.

Two "first-timers" participated in competition, Mark Sobolewski flew his KAOS 40 and Karl Gerth entered flying his Javelin. Congratulations to these modelers and interviewing each, they had a ball!

Photos, slideshows, results and other reports are "in-the-mill". Stay tuned here.

Dennis, KCRC, you're a tradition...........thanks heaps for a SUPER contest !!

KNOXVILLE, TN -- KCRC put on another successful contest this past weekend. My recognition and thanks go to CDs Dennis Hunt and Ed Hartley, who made all the arrangements and ran the contest. Also most deserving of special thanks are:

Mike Miller -- ran the flight order board and PA with great skill. Joel Hebert -- did the computer scoring with is usual skill and accuracy -- rounds were posted in a most timely manner, as always. Gary Lindner (Sat) and Skip Dishner (Sun) -- running score sheets and doing other necessary but not always obvious things to keep the event running smoothly. Hal Travis -- ably ran registration, and wouldn't let me fill in the "Place" column by my name with a "1st" Harry Hogan -- handled lunch on Saturday, going to Simms Market to pickup and pay for our lunches -- everyone got what they wanted. Jerel Zarestly and Paul Funk -- helped with judging in Sportsman and Expert classes.

Finally, my sincere thanks to all the SPA pilots and families who made the trip to Knoxville and are THE REASON for the contest in the first place.

I even won one of Cass's BEAUTIFUL Tennessee-shaped trophies -- first one in YEARS...

Following Bruce's lead, I guess I'm the "kcrc pio"...(for now)

-->A good flight is the second-best thing known to man -- a good landing is the first!!

Phil Spelt, President, Knox County Radio Control Society, Inc.

Senior Expert