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SPA CONTEST RESULTS
FOR
THE 2009 SEASON
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Fountain
City Flyers
1st Annual Heart Of Dixie
Prattville Alabama
November 7 - 8, 2009
JUST WHAT THE CD
ORDERED….AND PROMISED
The caption refers to the excellent weather
the weekend of Nov. 7 & 8, 2009 at the Fountain City Flyers
lovely flying site near Prattville, AL. CD Jamie Strong was
very grateful and expressed strongly our appreciation to the
Chief as he led the opening prayer at the Pilot's briefing
Saturday morning. Try 75 on Saturday and 78 on Sunday.
Variable winds, mostly from the East presented very little
challenge except for one
of the two Sunday morning rounds when it was a bit brisk.
Six full rounds of Antique pattern were flown, four on Saturday
and two on Sunday morning with departure after a tremendous
awards ceremony shortly after noon Central Standard time. The
contest flowed like a mountain stream in the Smokies and just as
delightful. Jamie and the FC FLYERS are "masters" at hosting
such an event and their facilities are just the "greatest"!
Fifteen antique model fanciers participated….8 in NOVICE, 2 in
SPORTSMAN, 3 in
EXPERT and 2 in Senior EXPERT. ALL received photo awards that
not only were
Framed and mounted on neat certificates, but included the State
of Alabama flag. Your
Reporter was quick to point this out to pilots from other
states, including Dr. Charles
Gray who drove from north of the MD line 8 hours to participate.
Wait'll you see his
score. He flew his P-Shooter powered by a 2 S engine.
There were lots of photos taken (to be shared shortly)….but,
your reporters camera battery lacked enough charge to flash a
shot (very candid) I intended to include. Darn,
why do malfunctions occur when you most want them to work
properly. Friday afternoon, I had just shot a few pix at the
practice session when I whirled around and
Dave Phillips III was bending over fueling his model……and….his
shirt had pulled up
and his blue jeans down, to plainly reveal the posterior canyon.
I got close and pushed the shudder button, but SHUX, no picture.
His mom saw what I was doing and restrained her laugh until we
both couldn't hold our giggles any longer. Little Dave then
realized
what we were up to and we all had a good laugh as he tightened
his belt about 2 notches.
Daddy Dave was practicing a bit on Saturday afternoon after
round 4 and before the Catfish House bash….and his 35 year old
Lanier Caprice (used to be called "Rubber-Ducky") literally,
using his words, "exploded" when the covering material loosed
itself from the foam core. He said the pieces just "kept raining
down" as they retrieved the fuselage part that cultivated a neat
hole in the turf at the Prattville field.
Mike Williams, Ray Kunert, Bob Owens, Dan Dougherty, Charlie
Johns (I know I am
Leaving some out, apologize)….took care of the scoring and
running with no delays. Saturday afternoon it was pizza and soda
pop at the field….and what a good gathering at the Catfish House
on Saturday night. Good food, good fellowship all at a very
modest price.
One of the showpieces displayed during the weekend was the
original DADDY RABBIT
TEN…..built and flown by former Pattern Champ Jim Whitley. It
was obtained from Whitley by Chuck Goodman, given to Jamie
Strong, who in turn gave it to Mike Williams who refurbished it
beautifully. (See Photos) Thanks for sharing it with us, Mike.
Mike refinished it with PPG Concept. Originally, was K & B
Superpoxy.
At the huge awards ceremony, raffle winners (4plan sets and wing
core set) were:
Dr. Charles Gray (won Compensator cores and gave to Julio
Arrieta.)
Dan Dougherty (won twice, 8 plan sets and two sets of wing
cores)
John Hancock - Jeff Owens, Julio Arrieta , Mrs. Dave Philips.
(Mrs. Phillips said, "aha, Dave's Christmas present")
One "first-timer" graced our association with his entry, welcome
to Mr. Bill Brewster who is in the Dalton club with Mike
Robinson. He jockeyed that Astro-Hog like he had been doing this
for years. He brought some home raised peanuts, parched, and
shared, yum-yum. Hard to quit those things, isn't it!
What a delightful weekend! Fountain City Flyers, it couldn't
have been any better than this. Jamie dismissed with "thanks for
coming ya'll, especially you folks who drove so far, like from
Indiana, (Doc Gray)….we're already looking forward to one of the
early meets right here at this lovely field come spring. Like Ma
used to say "Son, don't be
a-wishin' yore life away"….but in this case, I can hardly wait!
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
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PRATTVILLE
ANTIQUE RESULTS
NOVICE
1.
3969 Charles Gray
2. 3944 Dan Dougherty
3. 3942 Garry Singleton
4. 3903 Bill Brewster
5. 3855 Ron Underwood
6. 3822 David Phillips # 3
7. 3721 John Hancock
8. 3628 Frank Comer
SPORTSMAN
1.
4000 Kenneth Blackwell
2. 2631 David Phillips
EXPERT
1.
3944 Jamie Strong
2. 3912 Jeff Owens
3. 3868 Mike Robinson
SENIOR EXPERT
1.
4000 Bruce Underwood
2. 3721 Julio Arrieta |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
|
Top
Novice/Beginner
Alabaster AL
October 3, 2009
The morning started
out cool, clear and windless, just
perfect conditions. Everyone did the
meet and greet and handshakes all
round. After the registration we ended
up with 8 Novice and 6 yes 6 beginner
Novice contestants. Jamie Strong opened
up the Pilots meeting with a great
invocation. David Phillips gave out the
instructions and answered all the
questions that were asked. The first
plane took to the air at 9:00 and the
contest began. Great flying from the
Novices and the Beginners who flew what
they brung. It was a close contest. At
11:30 after 3 rounds we took a break for
lunch. David's and Frank Comer's wife
dished up the fixing's while Jim Renning
burnt the meat. It was great. During
this time the Morris Club presented a
Combat demo with 3 planes. It was a
great 10 min of dado's and go-yonders
trying to cut each other's ribbon.
Great flying and skill.
At 12:30 the planes
started again flying 2 more rounds.
After the scores were tallied up the
last person below the awards cutoff for
the Novice and Beginner were set up to
fly a Consolation Round. I was the
Novice pilot. The sequence was changed
to fly 9 maneuvers in each category. It
was a close battle.
|
Novice:
1: Anthony
Sweeney
2: David
Phillips III
3: Gary
Singleton
4: Charlie
Johns
5: Bob
Andrews
Beginner
Novice:
1: Jim
Renning
2: John
Hancock
3: Curtis
Wilson
Consolation Round:
1: Ed Waldrop
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Indian River Kontrol
Society
combined VRCS/
SPA September 25-27, 2009
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Results:
Novice
-
Vince Vlassick 3966
SPA:377 Intruder
-
Joe Mikus 3867
SPA: Pronto, Kaos
-
Gerry Armstrong 2580
SPA:448 Trainermaster
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Ron Ellis
2548 SPA:144 Executor
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Dave Platt 2285
SPA: Trainermaster
Sportsman
-
Mike Williams 3971
SPA:370 Compensator
-
Dave Phillips 3953
SPA:373 Intruder
-
Kris Van Nostran
2811 SPA: Sweepette
Expert
-
Jeff Owens 4000
SPA:243 Compensator
-
Julio Arrieta
2657 SPA:L3 Daddy
Rabbit
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IRKS’ first invitational two days of
SPA pattern flying were held overlapping a two-day VRCS vintage fly-in now repeated a third year.
Attendance followed the usual low trend, but did
peak on Saturday when Vintage flying was sandwiched
between SPA rounds. Some vintage fliers were
encouraged to fly SPA novice as well, since there
was no additional fee to fly multiple events.
Weather was
really very nice throughout the weekend, though a
low ceiling initially appeared to threaten flying
Sunday morning.
As you can see
from the results, all aircraft were SPA legal, even
in the novice class. A couple were a bit unusual,
however. Sweepette and Executor being early Platt
designs, and the latter lacked ailerons. Mikus
switched from Pronto on Saturday to Kaos on Sunday
to battle the breeze that kicked up.
Overall, the
contestants had an enjoyable time and there were no
major snags in the operation of the event due to the
quick running rounds and single flight line. A
repeat performance next year? We’ll see. A different
time and venue may be in order.
Click on the images
for a larger view.
Co -Cd Ron
Ellis and his EXECUTOR |
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ANDERSONVILLE, GA.
September 19 & 20, 2009.
The pieces to a "contest Picture Puzzle" couldn't
have fit together more uniformly than they did this weekend at
Hodges Hobbies flying sight. All the "cogs" in the contest
management meshed like a Swiss watch.
Yes, there were crashes (5 or 6)..most due to radio or equipment
failure, a "mid-air" prior to the beginning of the competition,
etc. but all involved in those happenings just brushed it off as
a "happening" when you play the game we do.
One of the "oddest" events of the week-end occurred during round
3, as I recall, when Steve Vergamini of NC was concentrating on
his execution when this sparrow hawk elected to navigate the
same air he was using to fly his loops in....when Steve focused
on the "real bird" rather than his model and took more than just
a few instants to realize why his model wasn't responding to his
input.....he exclaimed over and over, " I was flying the BIRD".
"I was flying the BIRD"!
Amazingly, never a delay other than the early morning fog
despite the forecast of 60 to 80% rain. The storms held off til
overnight Saturday night. Temps were comfy and gnats were fewer
than in past years. OFF, Skin- so-soft, CUTTER and BOUNCE was
used liberally and contributed to the lesser invasion by the
gnats. Three complete rounds were flown on Saturday and one on
Sunday morning leading to about a noon departure for 34
contestant destinations. Great contests in every class. Several
contestants who'd been "hinting" they wanted to fly SPA
competition DID so and all indicated they "now realize what
they've been missing".
The highlight of the Sunday awards ceremony came with the naming
of the SPORTSMANSHIP award winner, Mr. Ray Craig of the
Anniston, Alabama area, currently custodian of the SPA Memorial
Trophy. CD Sappington, in making the award, said Craig didn't
participate in the competition but worked constantly, judging
and doing chores leading to the contest's success.
One of the ANDERSONVILLE contest traits is, since there is no
particular host club, Scott plows all the entry monies right
back into the prize event. Every buck taken in provides drawing
prizes presented contestants. What a great gesture. Here are the
lucky prize winners:
OS .91 4S engine - Ron Chidgey (won it on his and Betty Jo's
57th wedding anniversary). $100.00 Gift Certificate from Hodges
Hobbies- Steve Vergamini (who "flew the bird!") $100.00 Gift
Certificate from Hodges Hobbies - Ed Hartley (of team CURARE).
$80.00 Gift Certificate from Hodges Hobbies - Jim Slocum ( Mr.
LUCKY) Hodges Hobbies Cap - Charles Johns - Hodges Hobbies Cap -
John Baxter
Sappington paid special tributes to Jill and Marie who did all
the scoring and running and Bob Wetzel who set up the computer
program, etc. (Editors note) This bunch with head judge and
programmer Dan Dougherty scheduling ran the kind of contest
you've grown to associate with folks with talent!
To all who contributed, I know Cass was looking down on the
event with pride that it bore his name.
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
I
would like to thank all who came out and supported this
"on the road show". I am remiss that in the closing
ceremony that I did not personally thank Dan Dougherty
for his monumental efforts. His assistance was what made
this contest seamless from an operational standpoint. It
was one of my personal modeling highlights to be able to
compete in a contest with the likes of Mickey Walker,
Bruce Underwood, Ed Hartley and Ron Chidgey. In that
group of contestants what an enormous amount of history
of pattern competition there is. What an incredible
organization the Senior Pattern Association is that
gives us that opportunity. As Ron Underwood stated he
couldn't believe how much he enjoyed the weekend and
wished he hadn't waited so long to join in the
fellowship. It was a honor to serve this weekend and
look forward to a great Masters weekend with John Baxter
at the helm.
Thanks again,
Scott
Sappington
|
SENIOR
EXPERT (6)
1.
3000 Bruce Underwood
2. 2970 Ed Hartley
3. 2871 Ron Chidgey
4. 2448 Julio Arrieta
5. 2089 Skip Getelman
6. 1538 Mickey Walker |
EXPERT (3)
1.
3000 Jeff Owens
2. 2856 Scott Sappington
3. 1430 Jamie Strong
|
|
SPORTSMAN (13)
1.
3000 Mike Robinson
2. 2939 Bob Gaskill
3. 2882 Mike Williams
4. 2773 Bill Dodge
5. 2761 Phil Spelt
6. 2707 Bob Wetzel
7. 2699 Ken Blackwell
8. 2646 Dave Phillips
9. 2530 Jim Slocum
10. 2488 Don Eiler
11. 2333 John Baxter
12. 2312 Rich Ernst
13. 1422 Orlando Frets |
NOVICE (12)
1.
2960 Karl Gerth
2. 2922 Doug Harvel
3. 2906 Charlie Johns
4. 2903 David Phillips III
5. 2823 Ed Lyerly
6. 2817 Dan Dougherty
7. 2811 Steve Vergamini
8. 2754 Gary Singleton
9. 2741 Bob Andrews
10. 2566 Harry Layfield
11. 2524 Ron Underwood
12. 2390 Bill Collins |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
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CHATTANOOGA
SPA
CHAMPIONSHIPS
2009 AUGUST 15 & 16
FLYIN', FELLOWSHIPPIN,...."it
doesn't get any better than this".
The largest SPA contest many can remember in some years was just
great! Tyical "dawg-days" temps made Gatorade and Ice water the
beverages of choice but very few mentions were made of the
weather, what with the good flying and competition.
41 of the finest pattern flyers in the Southeast gathered in
"Choo-Choo" city this week-end for 4 full rounds of competition
laced with traditional SPA type camaraderie. Two contestants
motored over 700 miles (Orlando Frets and Vince Blassick) from South Florida to
participate.
How's this for CHATTANOOGA CLASS...VP Scott Sappington voiced
the invocation Saturday morning, then, the Chattanooga Composite
Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol under the leadership of
Commander Mark Landrum and Deputy Group Commander Ron Broach
conducted an audio/visual tribute to our beloved country. Cadets
Broach, Blakeny, Landrum and Theune marched to the runway center
and displayed, at attention, the colors, flanked by riflemen,
while the PA sounded musical tributes to all four major armed
services. VERY moving, VERY professional, so genuinely
appreciated. You could have heard a pin drop, until the cadets
assumed "parade rest"....then thunderous applause.
Positives far outweighed negatives, so the negatives quickly,
Orlando Frets, Mike Miller and Gary Lindner re-kitted their
airplanes early, unknown to known causes for same. Miller and
Lindner flew "back-ups". Now, the positives.....there were so
many.....weather was perfect with a challenge from a "crosswind"
from fliers backs, about 5 to 10 MPH. Didn't bother any after
round 1 as all devised the proper corrections. No one tired from
judging as a result of the huge "pool" of qualified judges who
graduated from the judging clinics in early spring. The CRCC
sight was the "epitome".....smooth asphalt, nicely mowed
surroundings, hospitable club members, all details integral to a
good contest MORE than adequate.
First, the SPORTSMANSHIP award, determined by club officials and
contest management, was young Kenny Levans, of Prattville, AL
who called, ran scores, hunted lost O-rings in the grass for
seniors with limited vision...."just anything and everything
asked of him" said CD Mike Robinson. Most deserving!
A beautiful "hand sewn" SPA jacket went to Asheville, NC with
Duane Wilson, The seamstress for this was Mrs. CD....Jerilyn
Robinson. Just one of her multi-talents. She provided some SPA
shirts and towels that were true enhancements. Mike Williams of
the Alabaster club won the SPA towel. The Radio South Glo-driver
provided by the SPA Board of Directors and Tony Stillman was won
by Bob Andrews. An SPA Competitors Guide "hard-copy" went to
Gary Lindner. Ed Lyerly donated a Mach-1 kit from Eureka models,
it was won by Bob Andrews. The OS 91 4-stroke engine went to Bob
Wetzel.
The CITY CAFE was literally "swamped" with competitors and their
families for the Saturday night gathering. This cafe is famous
for its' GARGANTUAN servings.
Robinson awarded "certificates of appreciation" to Club Safety
Officer Randall Cashon and his Son Randy Cashon who "helped with
everything". He cited with certificates and audio "kudos",
Scorekeepers Darleena Anderson and Jerrilyn Robinson, Co-CD Scott
Anderson and Judge and fellow flyer Chris Gregory.
CRCC, you ladies and gents "done good" when you harnessed our
Mike Robinson, with his numerous talents, family members,
friends and helpers, and above all his PR abilities to CD your
event. The "Cream rose to the top" this week-end! THANKS for a
wonderful week-end!
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
RESULTS Chattanooga,
TN
AUGUST 15 & 16 2009 |
SENIOR PATTERN
1. 3000 Bruce Underwood
2. 2739 Ed Hartley
3. 2603 Russ Chiles
4. 2526 Julio Arrieta
5. 2286 Dennis Hunt
6. Skip Getelman
EXPERT
1. 3000 Jerry Black
2. 2919 Jamie strong
3. 2875 Jeff Owens
4. 2745 Scott Sappington
SPORTSMAN
1. 2974 Bob Gaskill
2. 2934 Bill Dodge
3. 2891 Mike Robinson
4. 2851 Mike Williams
5. 2841 Phil Spelt
6. 2757 Dave Phillips
7. 2742 Jim Solcum
8. 2697 John Baxter
9. 2687 Don Eilor
10. 2680 Ken Blackwell
11. 2643 Bob Wetzel
12. 2556 Tom Stennis
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NOVICE
1. 3000 Anthony Sweeney
2. 2944 Douglas Harvel
3. 2830 Voc Koenig
4. 2783 Ed Lyerly
5. 2756 Dan Dougherty
6. 2743 Bob Andrews
7. 2710 Duane Wilson
8. 2688 Carl Sten
9. 2677 Doug Whitaker
10. 2618 Leslie Smith
11. 2579 Mike Miller
12. 2522 Gary Lindner
13. 2497 Charlie Johns
14. 2433 Vince Vlassick
15. 2432 Rhea Starnes
16. 2272 Frank Comer
17. 1877 Jim Shorr
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Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
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ASHEVILLE, NC
2009 - JULY 18 & 19
The best complement
you can pay to an event is that people are willing
to travel long distances to attend. We here in
Asheville have always known we are on the
"outskirts" of the core SPA territory, so our goal
has traditionally been to make our contest worth
traveling to. Ever since our first single-day event
in 2006, we have looked at the other contests and
have tried to pick the things we liked best about
each, plus we've added a few innovations of our own.
My goal in planning the Asheville contest is to make
it so that people willing to travel here will have a
good time from the time they arrive until they
leave. I want to make Asheville fun enough that
people would hate to miss it.
This year's contest had a few extra events--the
showing of the Chuck Winter Video, the demonstration
flight of the Ed Kazmirski 45 year-old Taurus-2 by
Bruce, and the shopping trip organized by Penny for
the ladies. Six of the wives went out to lunch and
shopping at Biltmore Village Saturday, and got a
chance to create a few good memories of their own.
From what I hear, they have formed some sort of
"pact" to make sure this becomes an annual event
here at Asheville. Saturday night we had dinner at
the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. Again attendance was
terrific and better than expected.
Rain held off (for the most part) on Friday as
everyone gathered to practice. We were grateful
Friday evening as rain didn't bother the cook out at
our house. We had a record attendance which we
estimated to be around 35 people, with many of the
wives here as well. Ann Burton won the "stud finder"
raffle, (long story), and presumably now has no
trouble locating Dave when needed.
The cool front came through Friday evening and night
with a fresh wind all night. As is common here in
the mountains, temps were cool in the early morning,
with the low in the low 60s Saturday, and only the
high 50s Sunday morning. Thankfully there was no
significant FOG either of the two days. Temps all
day Saturday were in the 70s, with "interesting
breezes" on and off during the day. One time as
Warren Oliver was flying a round, his hat flew off
twice, (he obviously needs a Tilly hat). In spite of
the gusts, winds were generally manageable and
generally down the runway. Sunday was perfect with
little to light and variable winds and lots of sun.
We flew a full 6 rounds, and stayed a bit later than
normal both Saturday and Sunday afternoon to make it
happen. With 29 registered pilots assembling
Saturday morning; we had a great mix of competitors
instead of being 'top-heavy" with Novices as we have
in the past. We had
13 Novices, 6 Sportsmen, 5 Experts, and even 5 Sr
Experts. This led to one of the best battles ever in
Expert class. Jerry Black eventually emerged as the
leader with close battles for the other spots right
up to the end. In Sportsman, Mike Robinson ran away
with the lead, with a close race for second between
Don Eiler and Bill Dodge. In Novice Steve Vergamini
took the early lead by winning the first two rounds,
The other four rounds were taken by different
competitors, and as throw-away rounds became a
factor, positions changed with every round as things
tightened up. At one point Dan was only 10 points
out of first. The other rounds were won by Mike
Miller, Dan Dougherty, Karl Gerth, and myself. In
the end, I edged out Steve for first place, (much to
my surprise), in Novice. It's now time for me to
start working on those new maneuvers.
I hope that each of you enjoyed yourself, and took
home some good memories in the process. It was
wonderful to have you all here as guests of the
Asheville/Buncombe Aeromodelers. As usual, after
everyone went their respective ways, the club was
impressed with the condition the field was left in.
Almost no trace at a contest had been held, and that
50-100 people had been "milling about" for three
days.
The awards we take home should just be "icing on the
cake", with the real "take home" being the memories.
We hope to see even more of you at next year's
event.
Duane Wilson on behalf of ABA |
|
RESULTS Ashville, NC JULY18-19, 2009 |
SENIOR
EXPERT
1. 4000 Bruce Underwood
2. 3922 Ed Hartley
3. 3422 Dave Burton
4. 3016 Dennis Hunt
5. 1117 Russ ChilesEXPERT
1. 4000 Jerry Black
2. 3929 Kevin Clark
3. 3814 Scott Sappington
4. 3799 Jeff Owens
5. 3793 Warren Oliver
SPORTSMAN
1. 4000 Mike Robinson
2. 3813 Bill Dodge
3. 3790 Don Eiler
4. 3491 Jim Slocum
5. 3153 Phil Spelt
6. 99.25 Scott Anderson
|
NOVICE
1. 3938 Duane Wilson
2. 3928 Steve Vergamini
3. 3914 Dan Dougherty
4. 3885 Karl Gerth
5. 3808 Bob Permenter
6. 3807 Mike Miller
7. 3729 Ed Lyerly
8. 3680 Vic Koenig
9 3650 Bob Andrews
10. 3613 Charlie Johns
11. 3530 Carter Pounders
12. 3529 Rhea Starnes
13. 3196 Jim Andrews |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
|
|
HOTLANTA "BLAST
FROM THE PAST II "
Atlanta Antique June 27 -
28 2009
The "lucky eleven" are
the 11 Antique SPA model pilots that enjoyed one of the
most delightful week-ends of the current season with Dan
Dougherty, Scott Sappington and the gang of HOSPITABLE
PCMA clubbers. You know how you get the feeling "I wish
this week-end would never end"!. That was the feeling
Sunday afternoon June 28 driving home from PCMA and the
Antique "blast".
This is one SPA event that was indeed "laid back",
operated efficiently, on schedule and as billed, was
HOT. We all knew the temps and heat index would be up
there, so we prepared with shades, fans and loads of
Gator Ade, etc. What a difference from the original
Blast I last year when it was so cold, stormy and windy.
The air was almost Ideal this weekend, the Westerly
breeze provided some welcome comfort from the temps.
There were mishaps, but, so long as we participate in
this sport/hobby, these things are going to happen.
Friday afternoon, an aileron pulled loose on Mike
Robinson's DR-1 and it was re-kitted. Bob Wetzels wing
broke apart but was ably repaired into late Friday night
by DD and flew nicely the rest of the weekend. Co-CD
Scott Sappington loaned Mike Robinson his STIK...and
during an approach Saturday afternoon, a swirling
downdraft on the South approach, literally sucked the
model into the bank off the South end of the field,
heavy damage inflicted. I'm not aware of other "hard
lucks", but this was adequate IMHO.
SPA welcomed three (3) new members this week-end, Jack
Carwile of Smyrna, GA joined us and flew his initial
contest. Jack flew a STIK 40 with an OS 70 4S, OMEGA 15%
fuel and a 12/6 prop. Jack has been RCing for 2 years
and said "flying SPA pattern is so much better than just
boring holes in the sky". "Now, I have an objective".
SPA now has it's own "John Hancock", as John Hancock of
Temple, GA is now one of us. We welcome Cesar Perez of
Marietta, GA as a new member and glad to have this
terrific trio as new members.
Scott Sappington surely knows how to select "eating
places".....Dan said Scott arranged for the dinner sight
for Saturday night at the Italian restaurant near the
field, it was tremendous and our waitress was not only
an excellent server but resembled a Hollywood movie
star. Dan said, "Scott wants us to think all his
neighbors look this good"! It was Mrs. Dougherty's
birthday, Janie,...Rebekah Walker baked and brought a
delicious plain cake, which, after she read Rebekah's
card out loud, and we all had Richard Little lead us in
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, then Janie shared the good cake with all
of us. YUM-YUM. Scott was making music with his concert
group while we enjoyed the fruit of his preparation.
Dan elected to use only one flight line with 11 pilots,
an excellent decision, resulted in 4 good rounds on
Saturday, plenty of time for a good shower and going to
the gathering, then two more good rounds on Sunday
morning, awards and departure by a little after noon.
Mr. and Mrs. Little furnished the good food and drink,
no one was hungry or thirsty as a result of their good
gesture and the help of the PCMA clubbers who assisted.
Bob Wetzel, utilized the new scoring system from Gene
Maurice, modified for the antique sequence and promptly
posted scores. He avowed "this is an excellent program
and allows the use of an inkjet printer which the
preceding one wouldn't".
The awards were "Photo" plaques mounted on a simulated
marble wood grain base sporting an "antique" gold
outline. At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Dan
placed 11 tickets into his hat (that special one, what's
it's name?)....and a brand new 2.4 GHZ FUTABA FASST
radio went home to North Carolina with Duane Wilson.
Duane has a new model just about ready to put this
handsome radio in.
I'll conclude with a reliving of Dan's "toast" at the
Saturday night Italian Restaurant gathering, he said "I
have a double-toast, first to Janie for a happy birthday
and putting up with me for so long, and to Bob Wetzel
for NOT crashing after I stayed up so late last night
repairing that airplane".
What a DEEEEEElightful week-end PCMA...thanks for one of
the most relaxed and enjoyable week-ends in your long
history of hosting SPA events. Looking forward to coming
back for the MASTERS there October 10 & 11. This BLAST
FROM THE PAST was a genuine JOY!
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
|
FROM THE PAST PCMA June 27
& 28, 2009
NOVICE
1. 1070 Danny Dougherty
2. 1035 Duane Wilson
3. 1023 Charles Gray
4. 977 Jack Carwile
SPORTSMAN
1. 1597 Bob Wetzel
2.
1030 Mike Robinson
EXPERT
1. 1606 Scott Sappington
SENIOR EXPERT
1. 3482 Bruce Underwood
2. 2986 Ron Reed
3. 2936 Julio Arrieta
4. 1588 Mickey Walker |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
|
| |
|
KCRC - ANOTHER IN
SERIES OF SENSATIONAL SPA PATTERN CONTESTS
June 13 & 14,
2009...at the most "scenic flying site in the
South"...KCRC rolled out the welcome mat for 34
of perhaps the most pacified pattern flyers in
this part of the country. The "regulars" were
joined by 4 "newbies" to our fellowship
sessions, Russ Chiles and wife Becky of
Laurinburg, N.C., Dr. Charles Gray of Terre
Haute, IN, Bob Gordon of Jonesboro, TN and Bob
Andrews of Brewton, AL. As expected, KCRC, CD
Dennis Hunt and co-CD's Spelt and Hartley along
with the dedicated KCRC clubbers delivered a
week-end of nothing but delight!
The weather was very kind with absolutely NO
rain on the contest, even though thunderstorms
skirted around it on Saturday and nothing but
very good air on Sunday. With never a "down"
time, 5 good rounds were flown. Only one serious
casualty, that was Bill Dodge's model which
sustained a stress crack in a semi-crash on
Friday afternoon, and the wing elected to come
apart during an early round on Saturday. Bill
recovered the wreckage and salvaged his gear.
After the Saturday invocation, Joel Hebert sang
the National Anthem, acappella. The crowd was
awed by his baritone voice. Joel then manned his
post as "scorekeeper" and accurately turned out
computer "print-outs" both raw and normalized
scores shortly after the sequence had been
performed.
Remember the olden days when model supply
"vendors" would adorn the field with their
"wares"? This was re-lived this week-end with
Scott Anderson and Mrs. of Performance Model
Aviation and their display. Excellent
merchandise and modest pricing.
The fellowship and competition is "super" always
at KCRC, but another "amenity" is the great
selection of prizes and raffles. A SKYGLAS
Phoenix 5 kit was the gem raffled only to pilots
at the contest. It was won by Duane Wilson. The
"open" raffle saw Dave Marsden win the High Tech
RC Radio system, Bill Collins won the Thunder
Tiger .91 4 S engine, Ed Lyerly won both a 15%
and a 25% discount certificate from Performance
Aviation. Jim Slocum won a foam caddy from
Pyramid Hobbies, Phil Spelt, a 72 MHZ Frequency
checker, which he donated back to the club and
then it was won by Dave Phillips. George Holcomb
won an airplane stand and Steve Byrum won the
"used but good shape" Webra Blackhead donated by
Ed Hartley.
In addition to the lovely State of Tennessee
award plaques, a special "SPORTSMANSHIP" award
was given to the participant, elected by the
KCRC members, who exhibited the traits that best
defined that......and that went to Mike Robinson
of Dalton, GA. Mike loaned an airplane to Scott
Anderson who was without an SPA craft and lent a
"helping hand" on numerous occasions to others
during the event. A very "deserving" recipient.
Good times and KCRC just go together......they
were certainly "tightly knitted" this week-end
in Knoxville. KCRC, many thanks for another
well-run, enjoyable, and very well-attended SPA
contest!
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
Guys,
We had a
wonderful weekend with all you who came to
partake of our Tennessee Volunteer
Hospitality!!! It was great to see my friends,
and make new friends/ Thank you for your
efforts to get here and compete, and for
bringing wives and family, too.
My sincere thanks
to Dennis Hunt for a great job of keeping things
moving smoothly! To get 5 rounds in with
morning fog delays and 34 pilots required a lot
of planning and re-planning to keep pilots in
the air and judges in the seats.
Also, a sincere thanks goes to the KCRC members
who came out to support the Club's efforts and
keep the contest running smoothly, with food on
Saturday, and special thanks to Scott and
Darlena Anderson for taking orders and getting
the food on Sunday.
Now, anyone got any suggestions for my flying to
be as smooth as this contest was??????? :-[
Phil Spelt
Assistant CD
|
SENIOR EXPERT |
|
1 |
Bruce
Underwood 4000 |
Guntersville AL |
|
2 |
Ed Hartley 3806 |
Knoxville TN |
|
3 |
Julio Arrieta 3190 |
Hephzibah GA |
|
4 |
Russ Chiles 3173 |
Laurisburg NC |
|
EXPERT |
|
1 |
Jerry Black 4000 |
Jonesborough TN |
|
2 |
Ellis Newkirk 3851 |
Dallas TX |
|
3 |
Jamie Strong 3838 |
Prattville AL |
|
4 |
Warren Oliver 3683 |
Knoxville TN |
|
5 |
Steve Byrum 3459 |
Cullman AL |
|
6 |
Jerel Zarestky 3432 |
Oak Ridge TN |
|
7 |
Scott Sappington
1048 |
Dallas GA
FLEW
ONE ROUND |
|
SPORTSMAN |
|
1 |
Mike Robinson 3955 |
Dalton GA |
|
2 |
Bob Gaskill 3946 |
Albertsville AL |
|
3 |
Richard Witt 3751 |
Vinemont AL |
|
4 |
Scott Anderson 3680 |
Knoxville TN |
|
5 |
David Phillips 3633 |
Hueytown AL |
|
6 |
Phil Spelt 3484 |
Oliver Springs TN |
|
7 |
Jim Slocum 3344 |
Temple GA |
|
8 |
Bob Wetzel 3233 |
Temple GA |
|
9 |
Bill Dodge 1532 |
Oak Ridge TN
Crashed |
|
NOVICE |
|
1 |
Anthony Sweeney 3996 |
Millbrook AL |
|
2 |
Mike Miller 3906 |
Knoxville TN |
|
3 |
Duane Wilson 3805 |
Ashville NC |
|
4 |
Ed Lyerly 3745 |
Rutherfordton NC |
|
5 |
Dan Dougherty 3718 |
Powder Springs GA |
|
6 |
Karl Gerth 3624 |
Oak Ridge TN |
|
7 |
Steve Vergamini 3600 |
Greensboro NC |
|
8 |
Charlie Johns
3Brewton AL586 |
Brewton AL |
|
9 |
Bob Andrews 3435 |
Brewton AL |
|
10 |
Vic Koenig 3339 |
Johnson City TN |
|
12 |
Charles Grey 3303 |
Terre Haute IN |
|
13 |
Frank Comer 3306 |
Alabaster AL |
|
14 |
Bill Collins 2618 |
Guntersville AL |
|
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
|
|
ALABASTER R/C ASSOCIATION
Senior Pattern Contest
May 16-17, 2009 Alabaster Alabama
The folks in the Alabaster RC Association should "write
a book" on how to direct an RC contest during
questionable weather conditions. What weather failed to
deliver in desired conditions, the host club made up
for! Nary a one of the 23 competitors avowed anything
but "what a GREAT bunch of folks" and "what a good time
we had"!
From the arrival on Friday afternoon (some arrived in
motor homes on Wednesday)...till the departure on Sunday
morning ALL attendees were glad they came (and
especially your reporter).
Probably the proudest of all was the lucky RAFFLE winner
Mike Wieczorek of Alabaster, who won the electric
powered sailplane raffle prize. Someone flew one of them
for the crowd and it is amazing how well these things
perform.
Three "first timers" joined the contest trail here,
Frank Comer of the Birmingham RC Association entered
with an A-6 Intruder given him my Mike Wingo who told
him "Fly SPA, you'll love it". Frank is SPA # 451 and
said "now I love flying RC...this is so much better than
simply burning holes in the sky". Erik Thomas,
Vice-President of the Alabaster Club flew his first SPA
contest with an INTRUDER he borrowed from a buddy of
his. It was powered by a Thunder Tiger .91 4S turning an
APC 13/9 prop burning 20% nitro fuel. Mike, the raffle
winner was the other. CD Dave Phillips said, the prime
reason these guys are now competing is "they got their
feet wet in our NOVICE and BEGINNER only contest last
season". Dave said "some flyers are just fearful of
competing in a full fledged SPA contest and this
BEGINNERS and NOVICE only contest allows them to get the
feel of flying before judges, and we intend to do it
again this season, probably in September".
Dave and Mike Williams (co-CD)...said the city of
Alabaster had worked with them nicely on field prep like
mowing, adding a fence and the like. The PR between the
club and the city is excellent.
Very few mishaps occurred , Tom Stennis lost his CURARE
on Friday before the contest...he said "when I brought
it into the motor home on Thursday and laid it down, I
bumped the wall with it and heard a crack like something
broke, but didn't think anyting about it, so when Mike
Williams was flying it Friday, the stab just came off of
it in the air and down it came". Doug Harvel put his
TIGER TAIL in the swampy area beyond the field while
practicing Friday, some damage was done. A club member
recovered it for Doug, for which he was most grateful.
Doug flew his back-up INTRUDER to 2nd place in Novice.
Mike Williams number one plane was put on the DL when
the landing gear blocks came unglued after his first
round. He finished with his "back-up".
Phillips and Williams made a decision to fly 4 full
rounds on Saturday and completed them all with some very
nice weather following some heavy rains Saturday
morning. The cloud cover provided excellent visual's
from the Sun which normally is a hazard in the
afternoons.
After a delightful "awards ceremony" on Sunday morning
under the club pavilion Dave and Mike dismissed the
crowd with a hearty "thank you" for attending and a
cordial invitation to the function in September for
Beginners and Novices. Dan Dougherty "plugged" the
antique contest in June in Hotlanta and proper thanks
was given all the good clubmembers, wives, daughters,
etc who bonded like SUPER-GLUE to provide a GREAT and
HOSPITABLE week-end. Thanks Alabaster, you guys and gals
surely put on "well run and hosted event".
Bruce Underwood |
|
NOVICE
1. 3000 Anthony Sweeney
Millbrook, AL INTRUDER
2. 2888 Doug Harvel Forest,
MS INTRUDER
3. 2833 David Phillips
III Adger, AL
INTRUDER
4. 2805 Garry Singleton
Wetumpka, AL INTRUDER
5. 2791 Michael Wieczorek
Maylene, AL INTRUDER
6. 2610 Danny Dougherty
Powder Spr. GA DIRTY BIRDY
7. 2598 Terry Martinez
Shelby, AL KAOS
8. 2571 Charlie Johns
Brewton, AL INTRUDER
9. 2272 Ed
Waldrop Bessemer,
AL INTRUDER
10. 1239 Frank Comer
Alabaster, AL INTRUDER
SPORTSMAN
1. 2981 Bob Gaskill
Albertville, AL PHANTOM-1
2. 2941 Rick Helmke Auburn,
AL TAURUS
3. 2934 Mike Robinson
Dalton, GA DADDY RABBIT
4. 2795 Ken Blackwell
Enterprise, AL INTRUDER
5. 2724 Bob
Wetzel Temple,
GA INTRUDER
6. 2680 Mike
Williams Alabaster,
AL COMPENSATOR
EXPERT
1. 2870 Jamie Strong``
Prattville, AL KAOS 40
SENIOR EXPERT
1. 3000 Bruce Underwood
Guntersville, AL PHANTOM-1
2. 2522 Julio Arrieta
Hephzibah, GA DADDY RABBIT |
Where Pictures
are present, click for a larger view.
|
The Inaugural
Tar Heel Classic
SPA Pattern Contest
April 25-26, 2009, Randleman, NC
"Nothing could be finah than
to be in Carolina in the morning…" or afternoon, or evening,
for that matter. After a late decision to attend CD Steve
Vergamini's first SPA contest, Ed Hartley and I caravanned
to the Greensboro, NC, area. We each had a CB radio in our
car, so we chatted about this and that al the way over and
back. The drive through the Great Smokey Mountains was
simply beautiful, with warm sunshine bathing the newly green
trees with dogwood blossoming all the way over. For me
(Carolyn did not attend this contest), it was a kind of
going home, since I was born in the Duke University Hospital
in Durham, and Carolyn was born in Greensboro.
While there were both club flyers and SPA pilots flying
Friday afternoon, there were no problems with that mix of
aircraft. The "locals" cooperated wonderfully, and were most
gracious hosts for the entire weekend. Central Carolina R/C
certainly has a great bunch of members. SPA extends a hearty
"Thank you" to President Carl Mickey and his membership for
yielding their field for the contest. The closely mowed
grass runway provided an excellent surface for our needs.
The only mar to Friday was that an SPA Intruder suffered
from "premature impact with terrain" and was totaled.
Friday evening brought us to the Vergamini's home, where
Emily (Mrs. Steve) had prepared a sumptuous dinner of
spaghetti and meatballs, with salad, sweet tea, and brownies
for desert. The 14, or so, of us there had quite a wonderful
dinner while we chatted the evening away.
Saturday morning came in with ample sunshine, which stayed
with us the entire weekend. Tents sprang up along the flight
line, and the pilots meeting began about 9:15 - we had to
wait for the sun to move off the right end of the runway
before taking to the skies. With eighteen pilots registered,
it shaped up to be an excellent contest - we had plenty of
competition, while not being very much under the gun to
squeeze in hurried flights. If someone could not get his
engine started, he could be allowed time to get it going
without endangering the progress of the contest. Among the
pilots, there was a really good mix of SPA pilots, returning
pattern flyers from "back in the day" and newcomers trying
out SPA for it fit for them.
Saturday's rounds began with a light breeze blowing about 45
degrees across the runway, providing some headwind for
right-to-left flying. Later in the day, and on Sunday, the
wind shifted to a 90-degree wind blowing straight out. This
resulted in some of us finishing our maneuvers out over the
Outer Banks to the east! The better pilots, of course, kept
their aircraft in where they belonged. On Saturday, there
were two "premature impacts with terrain", one cost it's
pilot a beautiful Daddy Rabbit, and the other destroyed a
Great Planes ARF Cosmic Wind. We flew 4 rounds on Saturday,
except for Expert/Senior Expert, and one on Sunday, again
except for the Expert classes. Thus, everyone had 5 rounds,
of which 4 are counted toward the standings. As per SPA
regulations, CD Steve awarded Certificates of Participation
to non-SPA members and/or planes, and Certificates showing
place for SPA-legal planes and pilots. The results are
elsewhere on the web site and in the Newsletter.
There was great fellowship among pilots, pit c crews and R
members throughout both days. The CCRCers provided breakfast
and lunch food from their screened-in kitchen area in the
nice clubhouse, at which we enjoyed various breakfast
biscuits and coffee for breakfast, and grilled hot dogs with
any kind of topping one could ever want. Prized awards
included a beautiful plane assembly/maintenance table built
from RMC plans by our CD Steve Vergamini, a .40-size Kaos
ARF from Great Planes, and various smaller prizes donated by
K/C Hobby of Archdale, NC. K/C Hobby reportedly does a fine
job of supporting the CCRC club, and we certainly thank them
for their contributions to this very successful contest.
With promises from Steve V. to not schedule this event back
to back with another contest, Ed Hartley and I are certainly
planning to attend again next year. If you want to go a very
well run SPA contest, you should go Central North Carolina
in 2010!!!
Phil
Spelt
|
Senior
Expert |
| 1. |
Ed Hartley 4000 |
Curare |
| 2. |
Dave Burton 3629 |
Intruder |
| 3. |
Julio Arrieta 3098 |
Daddy Rabbit |
| 4. |
Russ Chiles 2218 |
Atlas |
|
Certificate of Participation |
|
Johnny Powers |
|
Expert |
|
1. |
Brian Stevens |
Sequel |
|
Sportsman |
| 1. |
Phil Spelt 3745 |
Daddy Rabbit |
|
Certificate of Participation |
|
Dustin Garris |
|
Jeff Wildman |
|
Novice |
| 1. |
Duane Wilson 3900 |
Daddy Rabbit |
| 2. |
Bob Paramenter 3807 |
Daddy Rabbit |
| 3. |
Ed Lylerly 3681 |
Intruder |
| 4. |
Jim Andrews 3608 |
Dirty Birdie |
| 5. |
Steve Vergamini
Did Not Fly |
Daddy Rabbit |
|
Certificate of Participation |
|
Robert Still |
|
Bill Glaze |
|
David Payne |
Where Pictures
are present, click for a larger view.
|
|
CULLMAN
"TRADITIONAL" OPENER
April 19, 2009...Cloudy to partly
cloudy with Southerly winds 5 to 15 MPH on April 18 allowed
an "on time" start for the annual Cullman contest and
completion of 4 rounds for all classes except Senior Expert
whose competitors opted to "call" after 3 complete rounds.
Most notable difference in this years
contest and those in previous years was the folks doing the
judging chores. As a result of the two "judging clinics"
and the certification of so many of our pilots as qualified
"judges", many pilots did double-duty and spread the judging
chores to many who had not previously felt they were
qualified for accurate judging. This feature alone proved
to be "worth it's salt" in making more folks contest-active
in all facets of a good contest.
CD Steve Byrum, without a doubt, our most
experienced contest director, had much capable help . Mr.
Phil Stults, who not only entered scores in the computerized
program but "ran" them from the flight line to the neat
"scorers tent" that Steve sets up and makes available just
adjacent to the PA and scoreboard covered area near the
flight line. Marilyn Lutzsky did the dependable job of
registration, raffle ticket sales, etc. we've grown to
expect of her annually. Ed Terry and Lavell Thrasher manned
the concession on Saturday and cooked the burgers and
hotdogs, served the drinks, deserts, etc. Sid Austin did
field prep. Only one mishap I am aware of, on Saturday
morning prior to the Pilots Briefing, Mike Robinson's
DADDY-RABBIT blended in with the cloudy sky on approach and
disappeared from Mike's vision until it smashed into mother
earth. Some damage, enough to stimulate Mike to serve as
Judge, good Sec/Treas and generally lend an appreciated hand
with contest chores and to remember to bring his "back-up"
in the future. Several airplanes were offered Mike, but he
opted to just "work this meet" and get ready for competing
in the next one.
A number of pilots have "moved up" this
season and as a result 12 pilots sought the awards in
Sportsman class, 13 in Novice, and 3 each in Expert and
Senior Expert. Much more equitable numbers in the classes
than the past two seasons which have really been "Novice
heavy".
Fellowship and good eating lasted til late
in the evening on Saturday night at the Branding- Iron,
notable steak restaurant near Cullman.
Anthony Sweeney, entered his 1st SPA
contest. Anthony was an attendee to the Judging Clinic in
Prattville and exercised our new "inclusion" of "fy what you
brung" airplanes for a "certificate of participation". He
flew his VENUS ARF 40 to what would have placed him
3rd in the NOVICE class (had he flown an SPA approved
design). Anthony, a veteran F-15 fighter pilot for the U.S.
Military (and has seen combat with enemies)....said, "I have
had missles longer than telephone poles fired at me before,
but NEVER have I been so nervous flying the real jets as I
was flying this model in front of judges". Anthony is in
the process of obtaining an SPA approved model in short
time. It is a joy to have newcomers like him join our
ranks.
One of the highlights of attending the
"first" contest of a season is ones' initial viewing of many
winter-projects. During an under-the-tent bull-session,
several remarked, "I can't recall ever seeing this many
GOOD-LOOKING SPA airplanes this early in a season"!
Cullman Aeromodelers raffled a World
Models A6 INTRUDER ARF airplane which is going to North
Carolina with Mr. Bob Permenter. Rainshowers Sunday
morning influenced a "called" pilots meeting to determine to
call the event a "contest" and proceed with the awards
ceremony, etc on Sunday about mid-morning. CULLMAN
AEROMODELERS....thanks for a delightful contest it was a joy
coming to:
Grateful for the traditional CULLMAN fellowship, fun
and sportsmanship!
SPA PIO |
|
Senior
Expert |
| 1. |
Bruce Underwood 2000 |
Guntersville AL |
| 2. |
Ed Hartley 1880 |
Knoxville TN |
| 3. |
Ron Reed 1432 |
Marietta GA |
|
Expert |
| 1. |
Jeff Owens 2990 |
Tallassee FL |
| 2. |
Jamie Strong 2971 |
Prattville AL |
| 3. |
Scott Sappington 2822 |
Dallas GA |
|
Sportsman |
| 1. |
Bob Gaskill 2973 |
Albertville AL |
| 2. |
Mike Williams 2936 |
Alabaster AL |
| 3. |
Bill Dodge 2850 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 4. |
Rick Helmke 2837 |
Auburn AL |
| 5. |
Richard Witt 2650 |
Vinemont AL |
| 6. |
Don Eiler 2622 |
Knoxville TN |
| 7. |
Dave Phillips 2579 |
Hueytown AL |
| 8. |
Ken Blackwell 2568 |
Enterprise AL |
| 9. |
Philip Spelt 2567 |
Oliver Springs TN |
| 10. |
Bob Wetzel 2543 |
Temple GA |
| 11. |
Jim Slocum 2249 |
Temple GA |
| 12. |
Mike Robinson 0000 |
Did not fly |
|
NOVICE |
| 1. |
Duane Wilson 2949 |
Asheville NC |
| 2. |
Alan Harper 2928 |
Marietta GA |
| 3. |
Anthony Sweeney 2912 |
Mill brook AL |
| 4. |
Tom Henry 2909 |
Birmingham AL |
| 5. |
David Phillips III 2909 |
Birmingham AL |
| 6. |
Doug Harvel 2828 |
Forest MS |
| 7. |
Karl Gerth 2815 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 8. |
Mike Miller 2803 |
Knoxville TN |
| 9. |
Tom Stennis 2747 |
Starkville MS |
| 10. |
Bob Permenter 2710 |
Rutherfordton NC |
| 11. |
Gary Lindner 2644 |
Lenoir City TN |
| 12. |
Danny Dougherty 2642 |
Powder Springs GA |
| 13. |
Charlie Johns 2569 |
Brewton AL |
For a Larger View, Click on The Image
|
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.
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