2007
National Point Standings
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SPA CONTEST RESULTS FOR 2007
As always, where pictures are present click on the picture for a larger view.

CULLMAN, AL – November 17-28 2007

What appears to be the last contest of a long season was just completed this weekend, October 26th through 28th, 2007. Once again, CD Steve Byrum ran a smooth and competitive event, with a total of 28 pilots competing in the four classes. There were 14 competing in Novice, 8 in Sportsman, 4 in expert, and 2 in Senior Expert. Our talented and very competitive PIO, Bruce Underwood, was missing from the weekend due to his donating a small part of his left hand to one of TopNotchTrophies’ customer’s prize. We missed Bruce’s companionship and fine flying. On the good side of things, Dennis Hunt was back in the “hunt” after a summer and fall of health issues. I am happy to report that Dennis is recovering, and it was great to see him, Margaret and their son Barry at the contest.

Friday, arrival day for most of us, was rather cold, gray and windy. Never the less, there was quite a bit of practice activity as pilots tried out the new Cullman grass runway. Saturday dawned cold and cloudy, which permitted flying a bit earlier than if the sun was shining, as the flight line faces east. After a fine invocation by Scott “The Rev” Sappington and the National Anthem sung by LeAnn Rimes (via recording, not in person), flying got under way. With the wind blowing mostly down the runway, all flying was from right to left for the entire contest. The pilots handled the wind very well, as one of only two only mishaps in Saturday’s 4 rounds was when the crack of a Daddy Rabbit cart wheeling down the runway on landing was heard. The other mishap came when two pilots were on the same 72 MHz frequency at the same time, and Randy Roberts’ beautiful Curare hit the deck shortly after takeoff. Randy continued the contest flying Robbie Walkers (almost) identical Curare – check the results elsewhere for the ultimate insult in R/C Pattern flying! Robbie was very generous in loaning his bird to a competitor (but also good friend).

We took a break from pattern competition Saturday afternoon, when CD Steve introduced Barry Hunt to the assembled crowd. Barry proceeded to put on a superb demonstration of flying pattern maneuvers with a 40-inch span electric powered Vanquish. We could hear the soft whir of the electric motor and 10-5e prop as Barry flew a free-style schedule of maneuvers, some from the SPA book others from AMA pattern, FAI, and some even of Barry’s invention. By the time Barry flew, the sun had come out, there were puffy clouds in the sky, the wind had died down, and it was a beautiful late autumn afternoon. Flying in the fourth round took place in near-perfect conditions. The conditions were so good that the top three in Sportsman were separated by less that 13 normalized points: Jim Rogers 1000.00, Warren Oliver 999.157, and Phil Spelt 987.352. The same round scores for Experts were Randy Roberts 1000.00, Robbie Walker 995.146, and those were not the closest scores for those two pilots in this event.

Sunday dawned sunny and windy. Novice pilots flew both remaining rounds, Sportsmen flew round 5, and the two expert classes passed on Sunday flying. The winds Sunday definitely had an effect on the raw scores, but the only mishap on Sunday was not due to wind: Richard Witts’s 8-year-old Daddy Rabbit crossed paths with Dan Dougherty’s “experienced” Dirty Birdie (on it’s 3rd fuse rebuild at that point). The DR suffered only minor damage to the left landing gear, which hit the fuselage of the DB and severed it in front of the tail. The DB hit off in the woods south of the runway, but was recovered for the equipment in it. At the end of activities on Sunday, Steve Byrum and SPA’s newest member, Anthony Boggi, distributed the hardware, and everyone went on their way. Anthony, who is a chef and part-time helper in Sid Austin’s Pyramid Hobbies, had his beautiful new Bridi Escape on display (see picture elsewhere). Anthony expects to campaign this newly-built bird in SPA next year. I should mention that Anthony was representing Sid Austin, owner of Pyramid Hobbies, who is recovering well from surgery in the Duke University Hospital. So, we finish up the 2007 season with a great event, and have lots to look forward to in the 2008 season! Y’all come…

Phil Spelt

SENIOR EXPERT
1.	Ed Hartley 4000	Knoxville, TN
2.	Dennis Hunt 2562 Flew Three Rounds	Oak Ridge, TN
EXPERT
1.	Randy Roberts 4000	Cullman, AL
2.	Robbie Walker 3934	Cullman, AL
3.	Scott Sappington 3809	Dallas, GA
4.	Chris Gregory 1707	Resaca, GA
SPORTSMAN
1.	Jim Rogers 4000	Marietta, GA
2.	Warren Oliver 3920	Knoxville, TN
3.	Mike Wingo 3846	Birmingham<,AL
4.	Phil Spelt 3784	Oliver Springs, TN
5.	Richard Witt 3624	Cullman, AL
6.	Jim Slocum 3350	Temple, GA
7.	Mike Robinson 2654	Dalton, GA
NOVICE
1.	Austin Wingo 4000	Birmingham, AL
2.	Bob Wetzel 3834	Temple, GA
3.	Marc Sobolewski 3800.61	Knoxville, TN
4.	Don Eiler 3800.48	Knoxville, TN
5.	Sammy Hamrick 3738	Dalton, GA
6.	Doug Harvel 3714	Forest, MS
7.	Karl Gerth 3603	Oak Ridge, TN
8.	Mike Williams 3578	Alabaster AL
9.	Mike Miller 3419	Knoxville, TN
10.	Danny Dougherty 3394	Powder Springs GA
11.	Gary Lindner 3305	Lenior City, TN
12.	Tracy Dudley 2941	Eva, AL
13.	Tom Stennis 2361 Flew Two Rounds	Starkville, MS
14.	Ralph Andrews 1556 Flew Two Rounds	Cullman, AL

As always, where pictures are present click on the picture for a larger view.

Gary Lindner









Phil Spelt

2nd Bill Johnston Memorial
Prattville, AL Aug. 18 & 19

The "oppressive" heat of this weekend was SECONDARY to the good times, good flying and GREAT fellowship enjoyed by contestants who flew in the LARGEST SPA contest to this point in the 2007 season.

The reason for the success of this tremendous contest had to be the promotion by SPA Chairman of Special Projects, Jamie Strong and his workmates in the Fountain City RC Flyers Club. Many of the participants came as a result of Jamie's demos at neighboring clubs and his personal solicitation. Six flyers entered their first SPA contest ever!

The temperatures were made "bearable" by the presence of electric fans for the judges as well as a number of them under the club covered area. Ice water and Gatorade was always available. This was one contest that all hoped for abundant winds to blow, some did, very lightly and mostly from the South.

Highlights include HOMEMADE ice cream provided early arrivals on Friday evening, there were plenty of them. Mrs. Matt Hampton provided samples of the "dips" she and Matt sell commercially. A "gift-pack" of the dips was donated and won by Mrs. Rebekah Walker. EVERY contestant was provided a "sticker" of the CALVIN SPA cartoon (see photo) and a presentation of each was made all 29 flyers. Following showers a crowd of 40 convened at the FANTAIL, a seafood buffett and fellowship on Saturday evening.

Due to the heat and the huge number of contestants, officials opted for 3 total rounds on Saturday and two on Sunday. What a genuine JOY to meet and associate with many "newbies" who now have been exposed to SPA contest fellowship. As you ponder the results please note the LONG list of NOVICE flyers. Isn't this a pleasure? Nearly all of them declared "this may be my first, but it definitely won't be my last"!

The last sentence on the 2nd Bill Johnston Memorial contest flyer was "COME OUT AND ENJOY THE FUN !!!!!!!!
We did, it was just that!

spa pio

SENIOR EXPERT
1.	Bruce Underwood 3986	Guntersville, AL
2.	Keith Watson 3790	Marietta, GA
3.	Mickey Walker 3514	Kennesaw, GA
EXPERT
1.	Cass Underwood 4000	Guntersville, AL
2.	Robbie Walker 3548	Cullman, AL
3.	Steve Byrum 3452	Cullman, AL
4.	Randy Roberts 3388	Cullman, AL
5.	Scott Sappington 3209	Dallas, GA
SPORTSMAN
1.	Chris Gregory 4000	Resaca, GA
2.	Jim Rogers 3886	Marietta, GA
3.	Phil Spelt 3458	Oliver Springs, TN
4.	Jim Slocum 3455	Temple, GA
5.	Chris Tomberlin 3355	Prattville, AL
NOVICE
1.	Kurtis Waites 3874	Montgomery, AL
2.	Karl Gerth 3866	Oak Ridge, TN
3.	Bob Wetzel 3800	Temple, GA
4.	Steve Veramini 3773	Greensboro, SC
5.	Don Eiler 3765	Knoxville, TN
6.	Doug Whitaker 3747	Morristown, TN
7.	Corey Tanner 3724	Prattville, AL
8.	Don Wade 3708	Helena, AL
9.	Mike Williams 3652	Alabaster, AL
10.	Doug Harvel 3636	Forest, MS
11.	Dan Dougherty 3569	Powder Springs, GA
12.	Matt Hampton 3437	Marietta, GA
13.	Dave Phillips 3253	Birmingham, AL
14.	Gary Lindner 3174	Lenior City, TN
15.	Tom Stennis 2994	Starkville, MS
16.	Mike Miller 2821	Knoxville, TN

As always, where pictures are present click on the picture for a larger view.

Bruce Underwood







Gary Lindner













Doug Harvel




Mike Miller

Andersonville Georgia July 28 & 29

1st HODGES HOBBIES SPA CHAMPIONSHIPS

You ever have a "dream" about the flying sights in Paradise? Chances are they are identical to Hodges' Hobbies site in Andersonville, GA.

On Friday afternoon upon arrival, Dan Dougherty was just outside the auto door and was the first to remark to the PIO....."isn't this what you envision Heaven looking like"? From the opening remarks by CD Scott Sappington, the prayer by Chris Gregory....there was that feeling of "togetherness". Laughing about the heat of "Dawg Days" which is what one expects in the SW part of Georgia and the sharing of the OFF and SKINTASTIC and other repellents for containing the hungry gnats. Gregory remembered in his remarks to the "CHIEF" our dear friends Dennis Hunt and Joe Holton recuperating from illness and asked for consolation to the family of our departed comrade, Jim Ivey.

Scott Sappington dived into his "chores" as CD of his initial event and was assisted by a "team" of experienced personnel.....take a gander at the photos to see Steve and Scott relieved of their scorekeeping chores by Jeannell Gregory, Rebekah Walker and others. Rebekah celebrated birthday number 77 this week-end, sharing her cake with all on the scene, hustling to each flight line to "run" scores and then check for accuracy when Jeannell keyed them in. What teamwork! Retired Georgia Coach Vince Dooley would love to see this kind of team play.

Here's what Duane Wilson posted on the SPA website the day after: (Cut & Pasted)

We held our own version of the "gnats" out at Hodges, but that's why bug spray was invented. Other than that, for those who weren't there, you missed a "modeler's dream"---an air-conditioned hobby shop totally dedicated to R/C within feet of the runway--models hanging from the ceiling to drool over--and "indoor plumbing". Steve Vergamini, Cass and I even took advantage of a garage on site-with electric power so models could be left assembled while they charged overnight--no models in the motel room!! Is that luxury or what??

Electrical outlets were even available outdoors so some of the canopies had electric fans!! We sure could get used to the facilities and amenities out there. For example the condition of the runway is rivaled only by Triple Tree, the Joe Nall site, (I love grass---it's softer and has some "give ' to it), and the A/C etc is easy to get used to TOO EASY too much of this would spoil us, and that wouldn't be good--we need to take this kind of luxury in small doses for our own good.

Part of what makes and keeps SPA so interesting is that new venues are mixed in with the familiar established sites, and each contest has it's own flavor. This meet was no exception--there was no PA system, (so we'd yell messages down the flight line; sometimes it worked, and sometimes the flight order or judges would be readjusted if people were "indisposed' at the time they are supposed to fly---remember there was a hobby shop on site).

There was no pilots meeting Sunday morning, (a first for me). Engines started up at 9AM after a groundswell of impatient pilots,
(led by Bruce), started yelling "let's get going..."; everybody "assumed their positions", and we were "off like dirty shirts" as my dad used to say. To me, it is interesting to experience the different contests--- you're never quite sure what to expect. When Scott was asked about Saturday night dinner he said "what dinner" ---so that too was different. Scott did a great job with minimal help--several people, (as Bruce mentioned), pitched in to pick up score sheets, post scores, and as in Asheville two weeks earlier, Jamie did a great job of coordinating judging,
(Asheville was good experience for him). In the end, as always, everything came together, and everybody had a great time.

At Friday practice, a "gremlin" caused Randy Roberts' radio to give up and he lost his lovely CURARE. Fellow clubmember Steve Byrum loaned Randy his airplane and Roberts' showed his appreciation by scoring higher than Byrum. (Some Buddy, huh Steve?)

Scott used "above bare expenses" to purchase a $100.00 gift certificate from Hodges and a new OS 91 4S engine and at the awards a drawing was held to determine the winners from just the
21 pilots who paid entry and participated. Lucky Jim Slocum won the $100.00 Gift Certificate and Les Smith the OS engine. Proud for you guys and congratulations.

Contestants and spectators alike just regretted the ending of this week-end for it was such a grand "get-together". I visited with many of the spectators, one from out of the US who learned of SPA via the stories in Model Aviation.

Scott & Crew, we're going to remember this week-end a long time just because of the GRAND facilities and that traditional SPA Contest fellowship. Many Thanks.

SPA - PIO

Senior Expert
1.	Bruce Underwood 4000	Guntersville AL
2.	Mickey Walker 3668	Kennesaw, GA
3.	Keith Watson 3617	Marietta, GA
Expert
1.	Cass Underwood 4000	Guntersville, AL
2.	Jamie Strong 3944	Prattville, AL
3.	Randy Roberts 3853	Cullman AL
4.	Scott Sappington 3671	Dallas, GA
5.	Robbie Walker 3581	Cullman, AL
6.	Steve Byrum 3536	Cullman, AL
Sportsman
1.	Chris Gregory 4000	Resaca, GA
2.	Jim Rogers 3792	Marietta, GA
3	Richard Witt 3775	Cullman, AL
4.	Jim Slocum 3530	Temple, GA
Novice
1.	Mike Robinson 4000	Dalton, GA
2.	Rich Ernst 3849	Brooksville, FL
3.	Duane Wilson 3840	Asheville, NC
4.	Matt Hampton 3679	Marietta, GA
5.	Steve Vergamini 3676	Greensboro, NC
6.	Bob Wetzel 3622	Temple, GA
7.	Les Smith 3462	Corinth, MS
8.	Dan Dougherty 3457	Powder Springs, GA

As always, where pictures are present click on the picture for a larger view.

Mike Robinson








Bruce Underwood

Asheville North Carolina
July 14-15 2007

LAND OF THE SKY.........A TREAT FOR THE EYE !! The CHIEF has made a lot of wonderful geography in this good ole USA but some of his most beautiful works has to be......the Asheville, NC area. Nestled in and near the Great Smoky mountains, the area is a masterpiece and the scene from the flying field...... centerfold.

The SPA Fun and Fellowship you read about in the July edition of Model Aviation by Duane was evidenced totally this weekend of July 14 & 15, 2007. With assistance from the loyal and hard-working ABA (Asheville-Buncombe Aeromodelers) and SPA Boardmembers and members this weekend was a treasure.

The tradition of “help your’ buddy” from SPA pilots couldn’t have been more evident than for SPA President and contest veteran, Bruce Underwood who through force-of-habit fueled up on Saturday morning for Round No. 1.......but fueled up another airplane for Duane and, recalling fueling up an airplane, proceeded to attempt a take-off with his TIGERTAIL with the engine running only on the residue left in the tank from Thursday practice....the engine quit just as it lifted off. A quick eyeing revealed a leaky-looking pump slug seal, that was the initial diagnosis of the problem. Jerry Black loaned his nice Dirty-Birdy for that round which was “zeroed” but what a thrill flying lacks’ DB. Still assuming the original problem, Ed Hartley loaned his Daddy-Rabbit back up after programming his neat radio to operate on Underwoods’ Mode II. Hartley was in the process of “pulling” his engine to place in Underwood’s airplane when the “fogeyish” error was discovered while attempting to de-fuel. NOTHING to de-fuel! Underwood spent most of the next couple of hours ending over for a SKITB from all he encountered. But, this is the kind of camaraderie amongst SPA modelers and friends. It was the late Alabama Coach Bear Bryant who used to say, “ be kind to your opponents, for “what goes around comes around”! It does and will.

In one of the photos Dan Dougherty is shown presenting Mrs. Penny Wilson a dozen red roses. Here’s why. Friday afternoon Ed Hartley volunteered to fly his camera-equipped electric airplane over the area where Duane’s King Altair is supposedly lodged in a tree or somewhere. He took Duane WAY down below the mountaintop runway and they stayed and stayed and stayed shooting pics of the area.....all the while Duane was to have been home helping Penny prepare for the Friday night feast at the Wilson home. Needless to say, when he arrived much later than planned and Penny had done the prep for the feast, alone, he was given a thorough “wife-scold”. Someone in the party suggested he get her a dozen roses to “make amends”. He was so busy he overlooked this task, so “along came Dougherty”.....and thought to run by the florist department of the variety store and make the purchase and subsequently, the presentation. I was there to catch it on camera. Penny gushingly blushed a bit and in thanking Dan said “Dan is the Prince, Duane, the Smuck” What a gesture. Dandy Dan did it. Whatta guy.

Will and Debbie Hicks of Will’s Hobby & CB Shop did Yeoman’s duty as announcer computer scorer and Jacks and Jills of all trades and masters of them. Will has a huge trailer of contest supplies pictured in the photo section. His website is: http://www.willshobbies.com and toll-free number 800-313-TECH (8324).

Saturday night at "Dinner at DJ's" the highlight of the evening was the introduction of so many lovely ladies (wives of SPA Pilots), what gratification, this support from "better-halves", this was their night. Attendees shared some stories of the "funniest" incidents down thru the years at contest participation. These sorts of things are always better the humpteenth time around and embellished greatly.

Prior to the awards came the raffle....here are the lucky winners. The SPEKTRUM radio was won by Doug Wheeler, the King Altair kit donated by Jeff Petroski of Home & Hobby goes to Jerry Lyn Robinson (Mrs. Mike), the electric battery packs to Bruce Underwood and Dave Bowman.

Two new members joined SPA this weekend, welcome to William G. (BILL) Dodge of Oak Ridge, TN and Brian Stevens of Concord, NC. There were loads of spectators visiting, viewing, shooting pictures, asking questions and indicating a desire to join our association. Most a result of Duane's story in Model Aviation.

Look what Jamie Strong (who served as Chief Judge) posted on the Discussion List:

What Duane may have lacked in contest skills, was certainly made up for with hospitality. He and Penny knocked themselves out again. Its hard to imagine all the prep work and extra $'s it takes to put one of these things on, especially the Friday stuff that someone comes out of pocket that doesn't come out of contest funds.. Thanks' for the great time and you'll be a Pro in no time.

ABA, Will, Duane and others, thanks for that North Carolina hospitality. GREAT JOB.

We genuinely appreciate the "great times" !! spa pio

Senior Expert

Bruce Underwood 4000

Guntersville AL

Ed Hartley 3932

Knoxville TN

Dave Burton2552

Bolivia NC

Expert

Jerry Black 3967

Jonesboro TN

Jamie Strong 3953

Prattville AL (Since Jerry couldn't come back on Sunday, Jamie decided not to fly without him being there. A very NICE gesture! You can tell by the scores Jamie would have one if he just took off and landed)

Sportsman

Chris Gregory 3964

Resaca GA

William Kite 3861

Kingsport TN

Brian Stevens 3757

Concord NC

Philip Spelt 3750

Oliver Springs TN

Jim Rogers 3730

Marietta GA

Bill Dodge 3498

Knoxville TN

Novice

Mike Robinson 4000

Dalton GA

Don Eiler 3855

Knoxville Tn

Karl Gerth 3796

Oak Ridge TN

Vic Koinig 3735

Johnson City TN

Mike Miller 3567

Knoxville TN

Duane Wilson 3561

Asheville NC

Bill Starnes 3383

Kingsport TN

Carter Pounders 3368

Asheville NC

Dan Dougherty 3297

Powder Springs GA

Were Pictures are present, Click for a larger view. Back Button To Return Bruce Underwood







Debbie Hicks
Gary Lindner



Francis Rogers
Mike Miller









Mike Robinson

Gadsden Alabama!
June 24, 2007

Heat and warm weather is expected with it officially Summertime. It was evident here....but in NO way did it prevent 22 wonderful SPA RC Pilots from a traditional week-end of precision aerobatic flying, fun and fellowship.

Gadsden was a SPECIAL occasion, when at the conclusion of Round 3 on Saturday afternoon, all pilots and their families, helpers and Gadsden RC Flyers and numerous spectators gathered in front of the clubhouse at Kidd Field to honor Mr. Dennis Hunt of Oak Ridge, TN who flew and participated in the contest on his 80th Birthday. What a pleasure to participate in this event, especially with the health problems Dennis has endured. Heart surgery and stomach removal in just the past few weeks. He is a SPECIAL individual! (I hear the chorus of "AMENS" from the membership reading this right this instant). Hunt was so humble when we in unison sung "Happy Birthday" and he responded with tears of joy and remarked "these people, right here, are the finest people I have ever known". Dennis had expressed a desire to "be flying SPA competition on his 80th birthday.....that desire became REAL in Gadsden on June 23, 2007. What a boon this fellow has been to SPA since its' inception. Doesn't it make you swell up with pride when you exclaim to someone, "I am in SPA and so is Mr. Dennis Hunt". This "party" was indeed the highlight of the week-end and Dennis responded like he always does, by sharing............he sliced the cake and had all that wanted sample it on the spot.

Jack Stephens, Richard Brooks, Fred Steward, the lovely ladies and other gents of the Gadsden RC Flyers tended all host chores nicely. Steve Byrum CD, did his terrific job of keeping things rolling. He programmed the flight order, appointed judges, input scores, judged some himself, erected and took down judges tents. How could we exist without him? Kudos again, Steve. 22 pilots contested with 6 full rounds, 4 on Saturday and two on Sunday with awards and dismissal by 1PM CDT. Very orderly.

There were a couple of problems with runways overshot, engines quitting, stabs cracking due to G forces, etc. but nothing really critical. Man, what competition with two classes coming down to the very last round to determine a winner. Sportsman and Expert winners were decided by Round 6. Now, this kind of competition is exciting.

The Gadsden Times daily newspaper ran a terrific story in its' Thursday or Friday edition detailing the contest and as a result there must have been in excess of 200 spectators who attended just to view the flying on Saturday. Loads of questions regarding SPA airplanes, the organization, etc. were answered by any and all members to the guests. A reporter did a feature story on Saturday with some very nice pictures in the big Sunday morning edition. The Friday edition contained an excellent story captioned GADSDEN RC FLYERS HOST CHAMPIONSHIP FOR OLDE