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Tangerine Pattern Contest Apopka, Florida December 7, 2008. The first contest for the 2009 contest season finally draws to a close on December 7, 2008. Contestants began arriving Thursday December 4, with the greatest number showing up on December 5 for practice. The field was closed to general flying and the contestants began to practice. Better weather could not have been asked for. However a surprising low ceiling, with some drizzle welcomed the start of the contest on Saturday. After a two hour delay, the first SPA airplanes took to the air. I say first SPA airplanes because this was one of a kind contest in that it combined SPA, BPA and AMA/FAI airplanes flying together with a total of 40+ pilots. The weather was in the 70’s with a slight wind; Saturday afternoon a crosswind developed which tested the mettle of some of the pilots, but they handled it well. No mishaps occurred. Concerned with interfering patterns Steve Homenda and I agreed not to fly the AMA planes at the same time as the SPA/BPA planes. But due to time constraints, there was a time when AMA was flying alongside SPA. As a side note; it was curious to note the sound of a high revving 2 stroke which was reminiscent of the golden years and the sound of a heavily propped YS 4 stroke which is the typical sound of today’s’ modern pattern planes. But everyone was happy. A heavy contingent of the Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia guys showed up to fly SPA while a heavy contingent of Florida guys showed up to fly SPA. Chip Hyde flew FAI and BPA and Jamie Strong and Mike Williams opted to fly the AMA/FAI. In summary, I received many positive comments in regards to the running the contest and not one mishap occurred and everyone was satisfied with the number of rounds flown and the professional atmosphere in which all performed. I wish to thank all of yus guys for coming down and trying to set me straight on how to say ya'll. I’ll be practicing for next year. As I mentioned to the guys, I will make time to come to some of ya'lls contests. Thank you Orlando Frets The results for SPA and BPA are as follows: SPA Novice             1st Place           Doug Harvel               Mississippi             2nd Place          David Phillips III          Alabama             3rd Place           Jon Weichbrodt          Kissimmee, FL             4th Place           Tom Stennis               Mississippi Sportsman             1st Place          Dave Phillips               Alabama             2nd Place          Rich Ernst                  Brooksville, FL BPA Novice             1st Place           Dave Wenzel               Georgia             Masters             1st Place           Chip Hyde                   Arizona             2nd Place          Joe Walker                  Florida             3rd Place           James Woodward       Florida             4th Place           Gary Courtney            Alabama             5th Place           John Fuqua                 Florida  Click on the images for a larger view.

 

BLAST from the PAST ANTIQUE CONTEST PCMA (Paulding County Model Association) NOV. 15, 2008   Cold weather, winds gusting to 38 MPH?  Sure, but just right for honest-to-goodness Antique SPA RC model pilots.   Yep, it was cold and gusty and the CD Scott Sappington quizzed the 11 contestants as to their "druthers"...that is "do you really want to fly in these conditions?"  He primarily left the decision up to those who drove the longest , Florida and Alabama.  They were joined in unison by the Georgia locals in a vote in the AFFIRMATIVE to proceed with competition Saturday morning  despite the inclimate conditions.  With the aforementioned conditions, it was decided to delete the "touch-and-go" from the Sportsman and Expert patterns and start flying.   Two rounds of NOVICE and two rounds of SPORTSMAN and one round of EXPERT were completed when the winds increased, some rain fell and temperatures were falling...plus, the hot DOMINO pizza had arrived for a late lunch. So the abbreviate decision was made. About 1:30 PM EST, clubbers started inserting individual photos into the handsome award plaques while scorekeeper Bob Wetzel (who wrote the scoring program for the computer for this contest) tallied the results.   While awaiting the ceremony, many visitors and the pilots reviewed a nice "museum-quality" presentation of Jim Kirkland's BEACHCOMBER prepared and displayed by Rich Ernst of Florida.  Most interesting ! Rich's replica of the Kirkland BEACHCOMBER was finished exactly like the one pictured in a decades old Model Magazine.  He did very well with this model (check the scores).  Ron Reed flew a BEACHCOMBER which he constructed some 12 to 15 years ago, good flying by Ron.   I referred to "scores" let me see if I can insert them here:   SPORTSMAN Two Rounds 1 Rich Ernst 184.75 235.50                 2 Mike Robinson 183.25 230.00           3 Jim Slocum 158.50 207.00                4 Julio Arettia 195.00 167.50                  5 Julian Jaramillo 163.75 197.50             420.25 413.25 365.50 362.50 361.25 NOVICE TWO ROUNDS  1 Bob Wetzel 126.25 133.50                   2 Dan Dougherty 93.25 131.00               3 Pete Coleman 5.50 0.00                         259.75 224.25 5.50   EXPERT ONE ROUND 1 Bruce Underwood                 2 Mickey Walker                         3 Ron Reed                                   227.75    226.50 221.00   Look at the "closeness" in that EXPERT class, Bob Wetzel said at the awards, "this is about as CLOSE as you can get".  Reed's 12 to 15 year old BEACHCOMBER was just as impressive as Underwood and Walkers DR-1's.  (Who put the band-aid on Mickey's FL-70?)  Friday afternoon, the newly downgraded version of the OS .70 4S kept quitting on Mickey's practice flights, same thing on Saturday morning, when "engine GURU" Bill Collins assumed the role of SURGEON and applied a "fix" to the cheaply cast manifold-carb and suggested a prop change and the little .70 never missed a lick.  Walker got the best "tail-slide" of the 3 of us.  Neither of us "flopped" as one would expect attempting to execute that "luck" maneuver in such gusts.   Only one mishap that I am familiar with, Pete Coleman lost his Ugly-Stik when the engine quit and he was just too far out the make it back to the field with the strong winds.  He said it was plainly visible in a big tree and he'd have the local "bucket-truck" retrieve it, hopefully in good shape early next week.   Just as in the "ole Days", the host club furnished the judges after holding a "clinic" for them the preceding week. All we contestants did was attend and participate.  This indeed, coining Mr. May's title, was a welcome BLAST FROM THE PAST.  Frank Stewart, Bill Marchant, Keith Watson and Bob Bixby were seen manning the Judges chairs.  (Hope I didn't miss someone, if so, apologies).  Tom Hopkins and Dick Konkle were assisting as usual.    There were lots of "near mishaps" but recovery prevented them.  Jim Slocum actually was "wind-whipped" down below the tree line with the BAR-FLI that he and Bob Wetzel were flying, but recovered nicely.  Bill Marchant, one of the judges said "I wouldn't have given a dime for the chances of recovering that airplane while it was happening.  Just another example of the expertise of SPA competitors.   With the weather bureau forecasting below freezing temps overrnight Saturday night and winds driving the chill factor into the teens on Sunday, CD Scott elected to eliminate the 2nd day of the contest.  (ED NOTE:  A brilliant move, for the weathercast was accurate).   CD Scott, PCMA clubbers, the BLAST FROM THE PAST, was a breath of fresh air ( also literally).  You guys fulfilled many desires to recreate the "good ole days".  The facilities were, as always just GREAT.  Some of you apologized for the weather, no need doing that for it is expected this time of year.  At the awards ceremony, Dan Dougherty said the club was definitely going to do a "repeat" in 2009, probably earlier in the season to chance better weather conditions.  (He confirmed this during an impromptu dinner gathering with Founder-Emeritus and President and lovely ladies Saturday evening at SHONEY"S in Acworth, GA.   You folks currently working on Antique airplanes, "continue on" for this event was just the ignition needed for the re-sparking of the antique SPA class".   Many, many thanks PCMA and Mr. May for your efforts and gracious hospitality.   SPA   PIO You guys and gals (both host club and participating contestants) are indeed special!

Click on the images for a larger view. Bruce Underwood Pictures Dandy Dan Dougherty Picture

Click on the images for a larger view.

Bruce Underwood Pictures

 

Sportsman
1	Bob Gaskill 3976	Albertville, AL
2	Joe Holton 3968	Acworth, GA
3	John Baxter	Dallas, GA
4	Ken Blackwell 3842	Enterprise, AL
5	Dave Phillips II 3837	Hueytown, AL
6	Skip Getelman 3796	Sharpsburg, GA
7	Jim Slocum 3746	Temple, GA
8	Ron Reed 3640	Marietta, GA
9	Bob Bixby 3274	Acworth, GA
10	Mel Richardson 1664	Clemson, SC
Novice
1	Bob Wetzel 3998	Temple, GA
2	Doug Harvel 3946	Forest, MS
3	Mike Williams 3943	Alabaster, AL
4	Tom Stennis 3807	Starkville, MS
5	Dan Dougherty 3753	Powder Springs, GA
6	David Phillips III 3742	Hueytown, AL
7	Tom Henry 3723
8	Ed Lyerly 3682	SC
9	Charlie Johns 3519	Brewton, AL
10	Garry Singleton 3414	Wetumpka, AL
11	Larry Hill	Greenville, AL

Edinburg Indiana
July 26-27 2008

HOOSIER HOSPITALITY SPA PATTERN CONTEST

"Back home, again, in Indiana…" I often thought to myself as I drove north to Edinburgh, IN, for the first SPA contest held by the Johnson County RC Flyers, Inc., at their Tracee Field. Contest Director for the July 26-27 event was Randy Schwersenska, with help from his son, Brice, and his brother Jay, from Florida. Those SPAers who flew at this year's Hot'Lanta SPA event in June had the pleasure of meeting the Schwersenska brothers. If you were at Knoxville in May, you would have met Randy and his wife Linda. They are, all, wonderful folks.

Arriving at Tracee Field, about 4:20pm on Friday afternoon, I found a couple of pilots flying 3D stuff, and three or four SPAers just "hanging out" under one the trees that shade much of the south end of the pit area. The field is a wonderful, typical flat Indiana area. Being just at the north end of Camp Atterbury, it is a public park with restricted flying to the south, and a golf course that abuts the field about 400 feet out from the flight line. A paved runway and beyond that a grass runway provide great takeoff and landing facilities.

Arriving at the field about 8:15am on Saturday, I found Randy, Brice and Jay struggling to get the PASS scoring software to work properly. There was some practice flying going on, but the sun rises to the east, right in the pilots' faces, so competition was delayed, anyway. Meanwhile, we worked and worked on the software. Finally, a call to Ed Hartley elicited just the right thought to get to the right area of the program and make it work.

There were 18 people reregistered, but the SPA regulars who were there Friday afternoon had left about 7:00 that morning, so we were left with 11 actual pilots: 8 Novice, 1 Sportsman, and 2 Experts. Names can be found in the Results section elsewhere. Once the sun and software problems were settled, the contest ran very smoothly. Randy, as a good first-time CD should, passed on flying in competition, although he had a nice Ugly Stick ready to go, with the new SS radio he won at Hot'Lanta! As you can tell from the results, we flew one round each for the Experts, who borrowed Duane Wilson's King Altair, and flew it as if they had been flying it for months! Having stopped by after the AMA Nationals, Joe and Ryan felt they had to leave for Florida, so Randy quickly awarded their trophies, and off they went. They had, in fact, stayed around long enough to judge my 1 round of Sportsman.

We then commenced flying the Novice class, with JCRCer Steve Maxwell and me as judges. As the afternoon wore on, the wind, which had been shifting around gently in all directions, began blowing rather hard from the west – straight out from the backs of the pilots. The weather forecast had predicted a cool front with rain to move through the area in late afternoon, and this appeared to be the start.

Randy called the Novice pilots together and asked if they wanted to fly more rounds, or call it "A Day" and have a one-day contest. At that point, Duane Wilson and I being the only out-of-towners left, were happy to go back to the motel, have a great Cracker Barrel dinner together, talk SPA and pattern history, and plan on an early Sunday morning start home.

In summary, the inaugural Hoosier Hospitality SPA Contest was very successful. Everyone who flew had a good time, all trophies were awarded after flying concluded, and we parted company with many goodbyes and promises of seeing each other next year. I believe the SPA may pick up several new members from around the Camp Atterbury area. A couple felt they could at least make the Knoxville contest, and possibly the one in Asheville next season.

Phil Spelt

Click on images for a larger view.

Phil Spelt
Duane Wilson

Expert

Sportsman

Novice

Ashville North Carolina
July 12-13 2008

Twenty-Seven of the "happiest" and most delightful flyers in SPA existence just spent one of the finest week-ends of this season....July 12 & 13 "doing our thing"....in some of the most SCENIC geography in our dear ole USA......Asheville, NC on Asheville-Buncome Aeromodelers home field. Just imagine viewing the Great Smoky Mountains at a distance while performing SPA precision aerobatics. One of the most spectacular scenes created by our Maker!

This seasons' LAND OF THE SKY CONTEST was" the best attended of the 3 to date", according to Co-CD Duane Wilson at the award ceremony on Sunday afternoon early. This only confirms what the PIO has long known, "put on a good show and the word spreads".

CD and Mrs., Will & Debbie Hicks, Duane and Penny Wilson and family, Guy Whitaker, and a number of ABA clubbers literally "bent over backwards" to insure a good time and a good contest by attendees.

A full 6 rounds were completed by 3 classes and 5 in the NOVICE class with, listen to this, 16 NOVICE pilots flying for the Gold (or in this case) awards with an engraved outline of the Tar Heel state of North Carolina.

What a delightful awards presentation on Sunday with a load of raffle prizes won by attendees...for example, the club came up with the idea of accepting cash donations in a "drawing for GAS cash". A neat idea with 50% of the take going to the lucky winner and the other to help defray expenses. Lucky Bruce Underwood won the cache of $32.50.

Luigi Fedon of Fedon Aircraft donated 5 pairs of their special sunglasses for RC Flyers. You may read up on Fedon Aircraft at their website: www.fedonaircraft.net

Winners of the glasses were: Ed Lyerly, Blake Honeycutt, Bill Dodge, Jim Andrews and Mike Miller. Beautiful Bill Dodge won twice and was kind enough to donate one of the pairs back for a redraw. Radio South Nicad Igniters from Tony Stillman were won by: Gary Lindner and that Lucky Bill Dodge. The 14.4 volt B & P Starter went to Mike Robinson. Jeff Petroski of Home and Hobby Solutions donated a kit of the winners choice....and that winner was Don Eiler who selected the Kwik-Fly to construct for the Antique contest later on this season. (Deserving Don called for most all the KCRC flyers and himself, what a helpful guy.) This world needs more unselfish folks like Eiler!!

Kevin Clarks lovely Daughter Hayley did the drawings. Will Hicks admonished Hayley, "don't draw your daddy's number". Kevin forgave her anyway. All she has to do is smile at Daddy and he melts. Cute as can be.

Special recognition with the SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD was given an individual whom Will Hicks described as "willing to do anything the club asks of him to insure successful projects" Mr. Guy Whitaker. I hope I have the last name correct, for all weekend I just referred to him as Mr. Guy....he handled "impound" "ticket sales" anthing Will and Duane asked of him. Congrats Mr. GUY.

The weatherman smiled on the contest with delightful conditions both days, a bit windy on Saturday afternoon, but handled nicely by all involved. Sunday's air was some of the best ever....you just dream of flying is this kind of air....about 68 degrees at the start Sunday morning and 80 by noon with a "prayed for" shower just as the proceedings ended.

ABA, you folks are "triple-A" in our books. From the "low country" boil on Friday evening at the Wilson's home to the departure on Sunday....it was a DELIGHT.

SPA PIO

Bruce Underwood

Gary Lindner Pictures
Jerrilyn Robinson Pictures
Bruce Underwood Pictures
Ed Hartley Pictures

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Hotlanta Georgia
June 7 - 8 2008

How do you say HOT? John Baxter and PCMA (Paulding County Model Aviation)...home of SPA Chapter 1..... mince no words when they boasted HOTlanta. The advertising said it was gonna be...and take it from your old newsletter reporter...it WAS. Lots of good ice water, electric fans and shades made for excellent "condiments"....and attendees never gave the elements a 2nd thought. They were just too busy enjoying the action and the activities.

Just an occasional breeze, otherwise almost calm conditions made for some "mighty good" flying and CD John Baxter and Chief Judge Mickey Walker demonstrated their expertise in these field and really kept the contest moving nicely and accomplished all objectives spelled out by Baxter and Walker in the initial pilots briefing. Six rounds total for all classes except Senior Expert which elected to "pass" on the 6th and final round. Long distance travelers (and there were those indeed), Texas, Florida, Carolinas, and our usual Southeastern states) departed by 1PM Georgia time on Sunday after loads of awards, accolades, etc at the ceremony.

Eleven Novices presented their patterns before the judges, 5 of the 6 rounds taken by Kevin Clark of Fletcher, NC assisted by his caller-coach-Dad, Hugh. Bob Wetzel "barnburned" round number 4 and won it. Julio Arrietta of near Augusta, GA pushed them all with a consistent performance after rebounding from an engine "flameout" in round number one.

Jeff Owens of Tallahassee, FL "aced" the Sportsman class with his 2 stroke powered Cutlass.

What a "shootout" in the Expert Class (the largest thus far this season). Randy Roberts barely bested Bill Rutledge for the win. Roberts won 3 rounds, Rutledge one and Jamie Strong one. Sid Austin with his electric powered CURARE won the other round. Mr. May made the aforementioned pilots execute immaculately, despite a fuel tank problem remedied overnight Saturday night.

Mickey Walker and Ed Hartley kept Bruce Underwood on his P's and Q's in the Senior Expert Class.

Highlights of the delightful week-end included the tradional "get-together" at the Mexican EL NOPAL restaurant in Acworth. The raffle drawings were held after the good meal. Lucky winners included: Pyramid Hobbies Gear bender tools: Julio Arrietta, Bruce Underwood, Alan Harper - Pyramid Hobbies Foam Caddies: Jeff Owens, Hugh Clark - SPEKTRUM radio: Randy Schwersenska! Johnny Escamilla, owner of the EL NOPAL drew for the radio. John Baxter said "it couldn't have gone to a nicer fellow". Randy "rekitted" his number one airplane while practicing on Friday afternoon.

The 2008 SPORTSMANSHIP award (winner selected by PCMA clubmembers) went to Mr. Rich Little....Cook, and Mr. "do-some-of-everything" to make things "click" with the PCMA club.

PCMA loads their events with "amenities"....for example, Roy Thompson of Georgia Aerial Surveys flew in his full-scale over the sight, shooting a delightful photo which was processed into a colorful 8X10 print and given each of the contestants. A wonderful gesture, as with the smaller prints made by, processed by, CD John Baxter and given each contestant. These are little "extras" that allow the wonderful week-end contest to be recalled and remembered infinetly.

PCMA, HOTlanta 2008 was "simply GREAT". Much obliged for all....it was a JOY!

Bruce Underwood

Bruce Underwood Pictures

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Knoxville Tennessee
May 17 - 18 2008

My dad used to say....."whew, I am tuckered-out-tired". That happened after a hard days work for him....and is the case for a GREAT weekend of SPA flying and fellowship at the SOUTH'S most scenic flying site.

Encountered rain almost all the way back to Alabama...but the weatherman was kind enough to hold off the rain til only one flyer, Phil Spelt, was completing his round 6 Sunday just before noon EDT. He skillfully negotiated a "powerless" landing as his engine failed to respond just after his spin, the last maneuver.

Scorekeeper Joel Hebert (who lent his wonderful baritone voice for an acapella rendition of the National Anthem)...said the Novice field was huge....14 to be entered in the program. What a delightful competition with "Newbie" Kevin Clark of Fletcher, N.C. and "seasoned" vet Julio Arrietta of near Augusta, GA both winning 3 rounds....Clark's normalized score was a mere 22 points above Julio's.

Warren Oliver took all 6 rounds in Sportsman in a field of 8 good pilots.

Jamie Strong "iced" the Expert Class.

What a race in Senior Expert with Ed Hartley showing his practice paying dividends. Hartley displayed some of his finest execution of the season winning 3 of the 6 rounds, Bruce Underwood, the others, but only by the slimmest margin. After going to bed Saturday night with Underwood holding only a 1/2 point lead...it was "nip & tuck" on Sunday with Underwood edging Hartley by a slim 10 points. If an award was given the "most improved performer" it would have to go to the Hartley household.

The Kingsport guys had some "tuff" luck....with swirling winds literally yanking Vic Koening's number 1 Dirty-Birdy to the asphalt severing its' nose just behind the motor mount....he fired up number 2 and finished flying Saturday's 4th round. Mr. Rhea Starnes received the distinguished SPORTSMANSHIP award for his display of "understandability" and "pun-poking" when his antenna became entangled in the safety fence and he demolished his Daddy-Rabbit. Congrats Mr. Rhea..you are indeed a "breath of fresh air" whenever you're on the flying scene.

It was such a joy to see former SPA President Ron Reed flying his neat Jim Rogers finished Daddy-Rabbit without wearing glasses. Some of you newer folks may not know...Reed was unable to see his models and was forced to cease flying activities....when some vision "miracles" were administered by optical surgeons in the Atlanta area...and PTL, they were successful. Reed introduced Alan Harper, a flying buddy from Marietta to SPA competition this weekend. Alan's father, Joel Phillip Harper was an old-time pattern flyer in the days of reeds.

Ed Waldrop, the STAND-MAN flew in his first SPA contest. He had been on a 31 year "hiatus" from pattern activity but is now FIRED-UP and flew his little shoulder wing airplane with a Super Tiger .51 2S in it. Said "I've had a BLAST" and totally hooked on SPA activity.

Randy Schwersenska made the trip to Knoxville from Indiana to get close to SPA activity as he will CD the contest in Indiana this season. I asked his impression....he replied "I'm impressed with KCRC, I had no idea it takes this much to run a good contest...but we've plenty of good help for Indiana and looking forward to all coming to fly with us in the Hoosier State". Congrats to the raffle winners....George Holcombe of KCRC won the new JR Spektrum radio, courtesy Pyramid Hobbies, Joel Hebert won the helicopter from the local Hobby store and lucky Mike Miller won the Peppermint Patty kit from Scott Anderson's model mill. Thanks to the sponsors for these wonderful prizes and to all who participated in the raffle. A real success.

Let me wind up this report with a confession I was pleased to receive on Friday afternoon upon arrival at the field. It was from Mr. Dennis Hunt, CD for the event.....it was such a joyful report he'd received from his medical doctor....he said "the Doc gave me an excellent report just this week". Isn't that GREAT news? I can just sense the series of "amens" from just outside your computer monitor. The Hunt's are so grateful for your concerns, well wishes and prayers during his recoup.

KCRC, you folks just keep turning out fine events....this weekend was in keeping with your' excellent tradition. We thank you MUCH!

SPA PIO

Bruce Underwood

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

Gary Lindner Pictures - Knoxville TN
Jerrilyn's Pictures - Dalton GA

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Gadsden Alabama 2008
April 19 -20 2008
More Later

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

Gary Lindner Photos
Mike Robinson Photos
Bruce Underwood Pictures

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ALABASTER ALABAMA
MARCH 29 -30

Beginning on Friday afternoon, March 28 with a greeting from the MAYOR and a presentation from his Honor to early arrivals for the contest of a folder of literature about the city, even personalized maneuver call sheets, to the awards ceremony on Sunday morning participants and spectators to the initial Alabaster RC Association's first SPA contest were happy and proud we were there to be a part of this historic "beginning" of what is hoped to be a lengthy series of annual SPA Pattern meets here.

Nothing was spared to make visiting flyers welcome and comfortable. The huge covered area, concessions department, scoring facilities, frequency board, even the JOHN smelled like the fragrance department at Sears or an elderly Sister at church. These guys and gals left nothing to be desired as regards condiments.

Saturday's weather was just ideal and four complete rounds were ended in more than ample time to prepare for the huge seafood consumption at the Fish Market Restaurant only blocks from the motel and flying field.

Note the city's slogan, "Planning for the future".....this was evident for SPA's future with, listen to this, (14)...yes, fourteen Novice pilots. Veteran TOC assistant and judge, Bill Collins told the group at the awards meeting, "I came expecting to see some pretty rough flying, what with this being the early gathering, but was I ever surprised to see how well folks were executing maneuvers at this contest, its' evident a lot of practice has been taking place prior to this event"! Only 180 points out of a possible 3000 separated 5th to 1st place. Folks, the future is looking great for SPA participation based on this turnout.

The Expert class was nip and tuck between a couple veterans who have seen each other's slight errors in the past and "pounced" on them in order to "eak" out a victory. No exception here, with only 46 points separating them.

Sportsman class was dominated by our Sunshine State member who primed for the initial Alabama contest by earning season championship points in the Florida contest in December.

Two newspapers covered the event, the Birmingham News from Birmingham, AL and the Shelby County Reporter from near Alabaster. Your PIO had a nice interview with the Reporter as did several of the Alabaster Club officials. Excellent PR on the part of CD Mike Wingo and Co-planner Mike Williams.

The thunderstorm that moved into the area ushered in temps and strong winds that prevented flying action on Sunday but didn't dampen any spirits as 4 full rounds had been flown on Saturday and the excellent covered facility provided a nice gathering for the awards program. Trophies were adorned with beautiful photos made on Saturday by Mike Williams' Daughter Jamie Gould allowing a pictorial "re-living" of the weekend for eternity. Mike's family was a terrific asset to the gathering with their chores and fellowship, as were all the club members who played parts in its' success.

Pyramid Hobbies made it possible for some really neat raffle prizes, Caddies, cleaning supplies, chargers, and a World Models A6 Intruder ARF model. How timely that Jim Griffin, a club member and aspiring SPA pilot won the Intruder. Jim is the Curator of the Museum of Flight in Birmingham, AL. MIke Wingo said Jim is a most deserving winner and a future competitor. Mike Wingo, CD, and club members voted amongst themselves to award the SPORTSMANSHIP award to Mr. Mike Williams and his family to share, as "they bent over backwards" to see that things were done and done properly to insure the success of this contest". Thanks Williams family.

There were 21 contestants who participated and probably that many came to spectate from many parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Florida saying, "this is for me"...."you folks really are as nice as I've heard and read" Doesn't it make you feel good hearing those kinds of comments.

If there's any doubt Alabaster RC'ers about anyone not having a BALL at your contest, REMOVE IT.....for you folks have really set an excellent example of how a contest should be conducted. It was a delightful weekend . We are most grateful.

Bruce Underwood