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SPA CONTEST RESULTS
FOR
THE 2010 SEASON
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Chattanooga SPA Classic Pattern Contest
August 21- 22
Chattanooga,
TN.............The initial Chattanooga contest with our
beloved Sec/Tres as it's "straw boss" last year was hugely
successful, but this year was the "epitome" of a delightful
SPA contest weekend. 34 of the most talented RC pilots in
the country participated in 5 rounds of efficient
performance and loads of fun and fellowship. Loads of
Gatorade and water were consumed and some signs of
dizzy-headiness and limited energy were overcome by
consumption of same and application of ice water soaked
terry cloths. Sun Tents lined further than the total length
of the runway, some had electric fans under the tents and
sometimes some would take advantage of air conditioned motor
homes and A-liner campers with AC.
Mr. Paul C. Wright, CRCC President and his membership
flanked CD Robinson on every needed request, generously
accented with the famed Chattanooga hospitality. (One of the
club members is also named Paul Wright, his middle initial
is J.). Note, PJ was one of the two "first-timers" to enter
an SPA contest. It is so consoling to meet and fly with NEW
folks in an SPA event.
Most all went very well with a couple exceptions, I am aware
of, Mr. Pete Coleman's Daddy-Rabbit 1 developed it's own
sense of direction and collided with one of the
"ready-tables" along the runway, Dan Dougherty had it
repaired by the beginning of the next round never missing a
single flight and flew it to a 9th place finish in the
Novice Class. Vic Koening had posted two 1K's in the first
two rounds but the 3rd round was NOT a charm for him as his
beautiful Dirty Birdy lost it's hearing and flew off on it's
own, smacking into terra firma in the yard of resident
nearby. Fortunately, Vic had his name, phone number etc. in
the model, the finders called his home in Kingsport, TN and
informed his spouse of the location, and the searchers drove
right to the home and recovered most of the remains. That
posting of ones name, address, phone, etc. is something we
used to do in the free flight days.....glad Vic did this.
The "loss of signal" remains a mystery at time of this
writing.
With storms threatening Mike called Saturday flying with
most having flown round 3, off for a refreshing shower and
to the "soiree" at the City Cafe. Many were unable to be
served at the famous City Cafe for the "backlog" of hungry
customers, however 37 of us were, and about 20 others went
to another good cafe for a Saturday night feast and story
telling session. The Pattern Committee of Messers Strong,
Owens and Chiles met in a motel room til 10 PM and are
almost complete on the patterns for the coming 2 year cycle
starting the first of 2011. These guys have taken ALL the
numerous suggestions that have been solicited and submitted
and are just "polishing" the finished patterns to be
released, probably prior to the MASTERS in October, perhaps,
first on this list.
My thanks to Mr. Matt Lea, Assistant to Mayor Littlefield
who worked with "Mama Jane" at Top Notch Trophies for his
input to the special awards she constructed for this event.
The extra high resolution Chattanooga Seal was prepared
especially for inclusion on this set of awards by the Mayors
office. She and Assistant Mayor Lea, "declared, these are
awards I think the winners will proudly display on their
trophy wills for a long time to come". The seal is wrapped
in Tennessee Orange by request of city officials.
CD Mike just couldn't thank his helpers enough...beginning
with the "official runner", Linda Owens of Tallahassee, FL
(Mrs. Jeff) who, despite the heat personally ran the score
sheets from the flight lines to scorekeeper Jerilyn Robinson
who rapidly and accurately entered and produced individual
round score sheets which Linda, for the most part, hand
delivered to each pilot just shortly after the completion of
a round, by class. The individual round scores were
color-coordinated, in Tennessee orange. What attention to
detail by this team of scorekeeper, runner, CD and their
helpers. Linda won the most deserved award (IMHO), the
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD!
Two rounds on Sunday were culminated with a delightful
awards ceremony and raffle and folks were "on the road" by 2
PM with so many fond memories of this weekend that'll be
relived over and over. Raffle winners are: Battery fans:
Rick Helmke, Bob Wetzel, Mike Robinson and Mrs. Dave
Phillips. A Deception short kit donated by Scott Anderson of
Performance Aviation: Sammy Hamrick. A World Models A6
Intruder kit donated by Mr. Ed Lyerly: Rick Helmke, OS 91 4S
engine: Warren Oliver.
CD Mike, CRCC, the weekend with you folks was a TREASURE.
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
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5th
Annual Asheville, NC SPA contest
July 17 & 18, 2010
Perhaps more PREP goes into
this contest each year than any other on the circuit. Co-CD
Duane and Penny Wilson entertained about 25 of us hungry
pilots and wives with that traditional low country boil at
their home on Friday evening with their "looked forward to"
hospitality and pre-programmed embellishments for an evening
of delight, entertainment and appetite appeasement.
I've imposed on Duane further to scribe the coverage of the
event for both the website and the coming newsletter…he
penned at the contest's conclusion the following:
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
Amid forecasts predicting rain, 25 pilots pretty evenly
distributed among the classes met for the 5th annual
Asheville Land of the Sky SPA event. Joining us for this
contest were John and Eric Nessler from the Columbus, Ohio
area competing in their first SPA event since 2006. The
rains came, but in spite of it all classes except Expert got
a full six rounds in. As is a tradition in Asheville,
activities started with a social event at the Wilson home.
After four years perfecting things, Penny really outdid
herself this year (IMHO) with her "Low Country Boil", and
burgers for those so inclined. We had 25 guests this year.
Becky Chiles, (Russ decided to come along to fly), won the
"R/C Widow's KIT" ladies raffle, consisting of a number of
items essential to being an SPA wife, including floppy hat,
sunglasses, romance novels and puzzles books, plus a
portable battery-operated fan and ear plugs. During the
contest, as a further "wife-friendly activity", Penny took
several of the ladies on a shopping trip and lunch to
historic Biltmore village.
It was humid , but at 2200 feet elevation, not all that
uncomfortable. Winds were variable depending on whether or
not a thunderstorm was in the vicinity. The fog that often
causes late starts here in Asheville was not a problem
Saturday as it was "wheels-up" at a little after 9AM after
the pilots meeting. We managed to get two rounds in before
thunderstorms swept in causing a delay. We got a full four
rounds in Saturday. With all the rain, there were fog delays
Sunday morning until 10:30 We were on our way to six full
rounds, but the thunderstorms returned early afternoon,
which finally cut things short for the Experts.
This year we had close, hard-fought battles in Novice and
particularly in Expert class which has become a truly
competitive class this year. In Novice, four different
people won rounds as the lead changed hands numerous times.
In Expert the race was for second. Most rounds found the top
four pilots all in the 900s with only minor differences in
performance. Expert has become an exciting place to be in
2010.
2010 was marked with a lot of casualties, some caused by
mechanical failure, (and some not). In Novice, Asheville's
own Carter Pounders lost his elevator linkage toward the end
of round 1. In round 2, Skip Getelman had his engine quit
and lost the plane in "no-man's-land" on the south side of
the runway. Round 4 was the end of the line for Ken Antos
flying in his first SPA contest. In round 5, Bob Andrews had
aileron flutter as his linkage came off. He almost made it
home on an emergency landing, but the plane corkscrewed in
100 feet from the end of the runway.
The most noteworthy incident happened to Ron Underwood who
managed to achieve something nobody ever has here in
Asheville--crashing into a weather tower some 300-400 yards
from the pits. We (ABA) had experienced one other incident
where a member had managed to hit one of the tower's many
supporting wires, but nobody had ever hit the tower
itself---until Ron came along. Ron's wing hit the tower
about one foot from the fuselage--an almost direct hit. I,
(as well as many others) didn't witness the event, but for
those that did, it was uniformly described as spectacular.
The fuselage continued right past the tower for a way before
becoming a very large "lawn dart". The comment was made that
if you had offered him $50,000 if he could hit the tower, he
probably couldn't do it if he tried, but he wound up doing
it for nothing. It was the subject of many discussions for
the rest of the meet. For his "notoriety", Ron received the
"Sportsmanship Award". He now has the nickname "deadeye"
Underwood.
We realize that Asheville is not in the thick of "SPA
Country", so we try hard each year to make the trouble and
time you take to get here worth your while by providing
activities from the time you get here until you leave.
Having a good time, and leaving with good memories, is the
most important thing to us. Thanks for coming.
Duane Wilson
Raffle winners were as follows:
Dremel holder cutter blade…………………….Don Eiler
T2A kit (Donated by Ed Lyerly)……………….
Dave Bowman Home & Hobby Kit (Jeff Petroski donation)…..
Dennis Sams Dremel Grinder set……………………………...
Duane Wilson Intruder ARF airplane…………………………
Dave Bowman
"Cash for Gas" $30.00…………………………Will Hicks
Debbie Hicks worked with the awards folks (TNT) and the
awards were ALL adorned with the Club Logo surrounded by a
sample of the CREATOR's Land of the Sky.
ABA….you really……….."Came ALIVE at contest FIVE" Much
obliged.
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
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Hotlanta
3rd Annual SPA Antique Contest
June 26-27 2010
JUST LIKE THE "GOOD OLE DAYS"
Atlanta, GA.....June 27, 2010.........If you recall the AMA
precision aerobatic contests of the late 50's and up to
January of 1967, you loved the Hotlanta Antique contest this
weekend.
Ugly Stiks, Daddy Rabbit 1's, a biplane, Kwik Fly's...there
was some of all the favorites you recall taking part in this
contest. The 2 stroke engines even outnumbered the 4 strokes
which doesn't often happen in a regular SPA contest. Oh yes,
there were some mishaps as you recall from the "days of
yore". One of the most painful mishaps came Friday evening
when our beloved SPA VP, Mr. May was calling it a day and
hauling his stuff to the auto when he accidentally stumbled
over a railroad tie boundary marker for the parking area and
dislocated the ring finger on his left hand. A trip to the
hospital emergency room resulted in a "reset" of the finger
bone and the installation of a temporary "splintlike" brace.
More permanent "doctoring" to follow. CD Dan went and took
care of the paperwork as Scott, unfortunately, is left
handed and was unable to sign the entry forms, etc.
Bob Wetzel lost the firewall on his DeBolt Jenny during a
Saturday Touch-n-go...and shared a Sun-Fli with Jim Slocum.
Pete Coleman discovered a faulty elevator connector wire on
Friday and had it repaired on his DR-1 for the contest.
Frank Stewart's engine came uncranked on his biplane,
clipped a tree but repaired by Sunday. Doc Charles Gray had
an engine failure on his Kwik-Fly and continued with his
"back-up". Frank Comer converted his Hangar-9 UltraStik to
multiple parts when he overshot the runway and his model
careened off the elevated area to the ravine below.
Temperatures were as we expected in HOTlanta but PCMA kept
all hydrated with Gatorade and H2O, nobody claimed to be
comfy, but very little was even said about the weather. A
good breeze provided welcome relief.
Six full rounds were flown by the 17 contestants, 4 on
Saturday and two on Sunday morning. Awards were complete by
noon EDT for a decent departure time by those that traveled
so far for the fun and fellowship.
In every club, there's a Mr. Good Guy. Dan Dougherty and Bob
Wetzel could not find the words to adequately thank this
outstanding PCMA clubmember:
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
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Hotlanta SPA Contest
June 12 - 13 2010
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HOTLANTA - JUNE 12 & 13, 2010
The hot temps of this weekend were SECONDARY
to the warmth and hospitality extended by
PCMA club members, wives and helpers who
extended the RED CARPET to participants in
the 20th Annual SPA contest.
Pattern flying, SPA style, was initiated at
PCMA in 1990 according to Mickey Walker,
Founder Emeritus and original CD for the
initial event. John Baxter was the
accelerator for this event, assisted ably by
other club members and wives since Mrs.
Debbi had very serious surgery earlier this
week and was being cared for by John on
Sunday of the event. John's latest update on
Spouse Debbi was, "she is
improving"....really welcomed news.
Several models were "re-kitted" due to
electronic, and/or "thumb-related"
malfunctions. Bill Dodge lost his CURARE on
Friday afternoon during practice.....Scott
Sappington loaned him his CHAOS "back-up"
which shedded an elevator during an early
round, Dodge's expertise enabled a safe
landing with just the remaining elevator.
Don Eiler responded to a low altitude spin
with a sudden elevator application which was
applied about one second after the model
impacted a wooded area. John Hancock smashed
his model and explained to your
reporter..."the 180 degree turn has 5
distinct commands needed, I only executed 4
of them". "Had a delightful weekend anyway".
Skip Getelman had a gear mount give up on
takeoff, minimal damage.
PCMA welcomed Mr. Joe Grant, a 1st timer to
SPA contesting. Joe and Mrs. Grant live in
Jefferson, GA on I 85 about 80 miles toward
Greenville, NC. Joe flew back in the 80's
and is just getting a "restart" to
competition. He flies a Tower KAOS with a
Tower .46 engine, spinning an 11/6 prop on
15% fuel.
Competition, in ALL classes, was fierce and
in the opinion of your humble reporter, the
BEST we've seen all season. Mike W. didn't
win every round in Novice dropping round 6
to Karl Gerth. Gerth wound up #3. David
Phillips III placed between Mike and Karl.
In SPORTSMAN, Mike Williams was a mere 75
points out of a possible 4000 behind winner
Bob Wetzel. Wetzel, when presented the award
by Co. CD Mickey, said "it's great to have
my wife, the scorekeeper", the remark drew a
huge laugh from the crowd. Williams won two
rounds on Saturday and passed on Sunday.
Dave Phillips, won round two (on a tank of
borrowed fuel, I hear). Dave had engine
problems and has for over a month (even
drove to Chicago to participate in a Classic
Pattern Contest and had engine woes)....but
borrowed a tank of good fuel and VOILA, his
fuel had been tainted from a "decades old"
metal fuel can. We never get too old to
learn something beneficial, huh? What a
contest in the EXPERT class with 3 different
winners in the first 3 rounds, Hannah, Black
and Strong each won a round initially.
Strong bailed for another contest on
Sunday...leaving Black to win 2 of the
remaining rounds and the 1st place award. 7
entries in this Class (EXPERT), great
turnout. It was a quartet of Senior Experts
and when the dust settled, only 27 points
out of the possible 4000 separating
Underwood and Chidgey....almost as close as
Andersonville, only "flip-flopped" in order
of placement. Ed Hartley, flyhing his
"back-up" Curare kept the pressure on, as
did current "Memorial Trophy" holder Russ
Chiles.
At the Mexican feast Saturday night, Chief
Judge Scott Sappington, said "I've seen the
best flying in many a moon today and
probably can't sleep well tonight
anticipating the continuation tomorrow". One
could tell by the super execution, a good
deal of practicing had been taking place.
Jerry Black cornered your reporter and said,
"this is the kind of competition we enjoyed
back in the good-ole-days and makes it so
much more fun"! "The difference with us has
been just a little error here and there".
The raffle prizes (PCMA is famous for their
good raffles) were drawn for just prior to
the awards....results are: $200.00 gift
certificate from Hodges Hobbies.........Jim
Slocum (Luck streak was reborn this
weekend). $50.00 gift certificate from
Hodges................Karl Gerth $50
certificate to Jamie Strong Hodges Hobbies
cap.............Mike Williams Hodges
cap..............Bruce Underwood
PCMA, with the good food, fun, fellowship
extended this delightful week-end, you make
an SPA member proud he attended and was a
part of such a memorable event. Here's
hoping the next 20 years will equal this
contest. It was perfect!
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PCMA's club photographer shot photos of the
winners (Bob Wetzel presenting all except
Mickey presenting his 1st place award), \and
is preparing them on a CD which he is to
mail me within the next few days. Meanwhile
I'll ship Ed several I shots for inclusion
on the website, hopefully today or tomorrow.
Let me echo John Baxters gratitude for all
who attended, Duane Wilson, came just to
help judge, fellowship, etc. The ladies of
PCMA were right on with the good food and
drink, Ice etc. Hartley pushed for and had
delicious Iced tea provided by the ladies,
gosh, what good food and under the shaded
pavilion with huge ceiling fans moving lots
of air for comfort. Mickey said at the
awards, "I'm not gonna name particular folks
for fear I'd skip someone...just the whole
group". The response was a huge applause.
Officials, participants and spectators
signed a huge "get-well" card that was sent
to Debbi Baxter which will INSURE a speedy
recovery from the serious surgery.
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
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Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
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CASS
E. UNDERWOOD MEMORIAL
SPA CHAMPIONSHIP
ANDERSONVILLE GEORGIA
May 16, 2010............Cass E.
Underwood would have been proud of the success, good
flying, good times and excellent weather this weekend at
Hodges Hobbies lovely flying facility in Andersonville,
GA. This, the 3rd annual Cass E. Underwood Memorial
contest.
Never, I mean NEVER has the weather been this delightful
at this sight. Not the first gnat and very little
perspiration. It was PURRRRFECT! Despite the "fill-in"
officials having learned less than 24 hours in advance
that CD Scott Sappington had been ordered by his
superiors to remain at Lockheed for a necessary audit,
the event was carried out just as smoothly as if he had
been at the helm himself.
17 participants took part even though only 14 had
pre-registered. Jill Wetzel had the unlisted ones
entered into the scoring program very rapidly......a
flight order was posted and CD Dan, said "as a general
rule we rotate, but because of the limited personel it
will remain the same this time". On two occasions,
however, it was modified to accommodate some that were
judging.
Six full rounds were flown with ample time for visiting
and enjoying pizza, soda pop and loads of good "fellowshippin'".
At least two mishaps were recorded, that I am familiar
with. Dave Phillips lost his aircraft when the radio
system just acted as if it had gone to "fail safe" and
didn't respond before it crashed. Skip Getelman had a
nosedive into terra firma when his "high-rate" elevator
resulted in a snap of the pretty bird too close to the
turf.
Dave Phillips didn't lose a complete round as fellow
clubber Mike Wieczorek fueled up his nice looking KAOS
and lent it to Dave. That airplane did "double wins"
this weekend with Dave flying it to a respectable 3rd in
SPORTSMAN and Mike winning the blueplate award for a 1st
in NOVICE. This is just another example of how SPA
pilots bend over backwards to help and assist their
fellow flyers. I surely enjoy spending time with folks
like these, don't you?
At the awards ceremony.....CD Dan said "there were two
hard-to-believe happenings this week-end......Jack
Carwile grabbed round 6 in NOVICE from Mike Wieczorek
(who won the other 5).....and "Bruce Underwood was
beaten, Ron Chidgey got him by 21 normalized points"!
Ron's new TIGERTAIL 4 is a beauty and he flies it
flawlessly. The Chiles, Russ and Becky drove the most
miles to participate, from Laurinberg, NC. Julio
Arrietta, despite having to get around on crutches
because of "bum" knee, escorted by his lovely bride,
Petra was jockeying that new Compensator beautifully.
Charlie Johns and Mike Wieczorek were the pair of
Alabamians in a field of 6 Novice pilots, the other 4
were all from the CD's "Peach State". The Georgia
sky-jockeys were Ron Underwood, Jack Carwile, Dan
Dougherty and Harry Layfield. Harry lives about 45
minutes from this lovely field.
On the other hand, SPORTSMEN Jim Slocum and Bob Wetzel,
Georgia Crackers, were outnumbered by Ken Blackwell,
Dave Phillips and Mike Williams from "Bama"
The Expert class was divided with Skip Getelman from GA
and Jamie Strong from Alabama.
The Senior Experts hailed from 4 different states, Ron
Chidgey from "the Sunshine State", Russ Chiles from NC,
Julio Arrietta from Jawja, and BU from Alabama.
Mr. May will be proud of the way his crew handled the
contest details, to a "T". Mrs. Jim Slocum hauled the
hot pizzas for the noon consumption.
Thanks to Mississippians Harvel and Stennis who visited
one night (Friday) with their tales of the recent visit
to the Joe Noll. Mac Hodges, our host with the most, was
home from the Joe Noll in time to visit with us on
Sunday and was introduced to the gang at the awards
ceremony.
Mac's dog "SERVO" greeted each contestant as they drove
onto the scene with a muchly anticipated "woof" - "woof"
which is canine lingo for "howdy ya'll glad you're
here".
We ended our wonderful week-end with the appropriate
THANKS to HIM!
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
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Ben
Oliver Memorial SPA Contest
May 1 - 2 2010
Knoxville, TN, May 1,
20010. The Ben Oliver Memorial SPA Contest was held on
Saturday May 1st, at the KCRC field in Knoxville, TN.
Scheduled as a two-day event, the weather cut things
short about 2:15 Saturday afternoon. From 8:30 that
morning until then, we experienced almost all the
weather changes one could want for one day. The pilots
contended with periods of sunshine, dark clouds, gusty
winds, calm periods (not many), and handled everything
with great skill.
We had 12 pilots, evenly distributed among the four
classes, which made for a rapid sequencing of rounds
with three pilots per round per class. With this low a
number, CD Dennis Hunt decided to fly as the third
entrant in Senior Expert. We completed 5 rounds for
Novice, four for Sportsman, three for Expert, and three
for Senior Expert. About 2:10, we watched as sheets of
rain approached the field from the northwest. Bill Dodge
(Sportsman) and Ellis Newkirk (Expert) were flying at
the time - Bill completed his flight and thus the fourth
round for Sportsman, but Ellis had to land as the
"Raindrops (kept) falling on his head", and the Experts
thus only completed three full rounds.
The flight board was expertly handled by Gary Lindner of
KCRC, which enabled Dennis Hunt to concentrate on his
flying. Everything ran very smoothly - pilots were ready
to fly and judges were in position for every round. A
delicious lunch was cooked and served by KCRC President
Dennis Drone and some of his friends who were interested
in how the contest was run. We had Omaha Steaks
hamburgers and top-of-the-line Sam's Club hotdogs,
accompanied by delicious baked beans and pasta salad.
Drinks were provided courtesy of KCRC for the day, and
rumor has it that the beans and salad were done up for
us by Susan (Mrs. Dennis) Drone. They surely added a
nice touch to the noontime repast. A number of KCRC
members were present to help. We want to especially
thank KCRC Treasurer Joel Hebert, who ran the scoring
computer with his usual skill. We were also delighted to
have SPA Treasurer and Secretary, Mike Robinson, with us
for the day, having arrived on Friday evening in what he
calls his "QE II" -- a motor home with so much overhang
in back that Ford had to put a V-10 engine up front to
balance it! Mike did a loin's shre of judging for us -
many thank, Mike! Get that eye back to normal and start
flying again, my Friend.
CD Dennis presented the awards under the KCRC pavilion
during a heavy rain. The awards consisted of 8 x 10
shadowbox frames with a surround color printed to
commemorate the event, and plaques engraved by SPA Pres.
Bruce Underwood at Top Notch Trophies. The plaques gave
the place and class of each flyer. Inside the shadowbox
area is a picture of the contestant with his airplane.
Feedback from several contestants indicates that they
liked this different type of award.
Phil Spelt,
AMA 1294, SPA 177 |
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Senior Expert |
| 1 |
Ed Hartley 2000 |
Knoxville TN |
| 2 |
Julio Arrieta
1732 |
Hephzibah Ga |
| 2 |
Dennis Hunt 1595 |
Oak Ridge TN |
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Expert |
| 1 |
Jerry Black 1992 |
Jones Borough TN |
| 2 |
Ellis Newkirk 1985 |
Flower Mound TX |
| 3 |
Warren Oliver 1891 |
Knoxville TN |
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Sportsman |
| 1 |
Bill Dodge 3000 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 2 |
Phil Spelt 2793 |
Oliver Springs TN |
| 3 |
Don Eilor 2760 |
Knoxville TN |
|
Novice |
| 1 |
Vic Koenig 3983 |
Johnson City TN |
| 2 |
Karl Gerth 3904 |
Oak Ridge TN |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
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ALABASTER, ALABAMA
TOP NOVICE was TOP NOTCH!
CD Dave Phillips,
said "I've never seen NOVICE flyers fly so well as
they did today in this gusty, whirling, blowing
wind". "You guys were just magnificent". Four rounds
by all 10 contestants and not even a broken prop!
This year's contest was "top heavy" with NOVICE
pilots (9) of them and (1) beginner NOVICE, Mr.
Larry Luke from the "Taildraggers" RC club in
Cartersville, GA. Luke piloted a SIG 4 Star 60
powered by an OS 60 FP spinning a Master Airscrew
prop burning 10% Nitro fuel. Phillips (CD) said
"this is amazing, here Larry is flying in his very
first contest (attended at the invitation of John
Hancock of the PCMA club), didn't even zero a
maneuver, not the first one".
The Alabaster RC Club, President Bob Anderson and
its' membership covered every detail involved in an
efficient contest. Mrs. Dave Phillips handled
registration and the raffle, Pat DeSantis did the
cooking of burgers and dogs, table setting, etc.
Mike Williams not only judged a round but handled
all the computer scoring. Club members, for the most
part, ran the scores.
Long distance attendance award would have gone to
Mr. Ron Underwood who drove, with his mascot (his
precious blind dog), from Newnan, GA. Ron said, "I
love the folks who participate in this sport/hobby
and cherish each event I attend".
Congrats to David Phillips III who won the Pylon
Racer Kit Raffle. (Ed note: My ticket number was
18905, David's winner ticket was 18906, whew!) How
close can you get?
Thanks ALABASTER RC ASSOCIATION for a "Top Notch"
Top Novice contest again this year, an event that
has fostered lots of entrants and "winners" on the
SPA contest circuit.
Watch these TOP NOVICE graduates garner the hardware
on the contest circuit this season.
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
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13th Annual
Cullman SPA
Championships
Cullman Alabama
--- 28 contestants totally enjoyed this April
week-end here completing 5 full rounds of
competition in Northwesterly winds on Saturday and
Northeasterly currents on Sunday testing their
skills as SPA “sky-jockeys”.
One , almost repairable, sudden impact with Terra
Firma occurred on Saturday morning early, before
official competition, when Rhea Starnes lost his
model in the bright sun while practicing. Nothing
else as far as genuine damage due to crashes. Bill
Dodge looked away from his CURARE shortly after
landing and with engine still turning it made its’
way to the line 1 judges tent and a piece of the
sheared propeller was propelled into Judge Ed
Hartleys’ elbow. Some pressure from a clean towel
and the bleeding soon stopped, nothing severe. What
could have been an ugly occurrence was deflected by
a good judges tent pole.
The weather on Saturday was very comfortable with
lots of shorts worn and ice water consumed. Novice
and Sportsmen completed 4 full rounds with Expert
and Sr. Expert executing 3. On Sunday, with much
cooler temperatures and strong Northeasterly winds
the Experts flew two rounds back to back and the
other classes completed their 5th round. When you
examine the results, you’re going to notice a
student of the Alabaster club, competing in only his
second regular SPA contest taking home all the
marbles in the Novice class. Dave Phillips was quick
to advise your humble author, “a product of last
years Novice only event”! Boy, what a contest in
this class, Wieczorek eeked out by 8 points the win
over oldster Charlie Johns with David Phillips III
just 6 points behind Johns. 11 Novices flew and flew
very well! (The winner has a first name, it's
Michael). He brought his own cheering section, his
13 year old Son, Alec. Photos of the two will be
posted soon on the website.
10 Sportsmen pilots battled it out with numbers one
and two winning two rounds each and number three
winning one round. Competition was very keen.
There were only two Experts, Messrs Jerry Black and
Jamie Strong with Black copping three of the five
rounds and Strong two. These guys were doggone near
“flawless” in their execution in the wind. Jamie’s
new airplane (built by Daddy Jim) sports a one-piece
wing which he avows “is so much more stable than the
“plug-ins” I have been flying”. He rightfully
bragged on his dad’s workmanship!
It was so good to see a class of five in the Senior
Expert class. We all “ooed” and “awed” at the
performance of the Experts which would have laid all
us “old codgers” in the shade.
“Seasoned” CD Steve Byrum, runs a great show and
heaped his thanks and appreciation to the members of
the Cullman Aeromodellers, which numbered, as I
counted, about eight who did the cooking, running,
score tabulating and things he called upon them to
do. Always dependable Marilyn Lutsky took care of
the registration, forms, etc as she has done down
through the years.
CA (Cullman Aeromodellers) you folks are great
examples of how a great SPA contest should be run.
Thank you for another enjoyable event at your nice
facility. Already looking forward to 2011 at
Burdeshaw Field.
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood |
|
Senior Expert |
| 1 |
Bruce Underwood 4000 |
Guntersville AL |
| 2 |
Ed Hartley 3896 |
Concord TN |
| 3 |
Robert Gaskill 2631 |
Knozville TN |
| 4 |
Dennis Hunt 2441 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 5 |
Russ Chiles 1650 |
Laurinburg NC |
|
Expert |
| 1 |
Jerry Blace 3999 |
Johnson Ciry TN |
| 2 |
Jamie Strong 3951 |
Prattville AL |
|
Sportsman |
| 1 |
Anthony Sweeney 3974 |
Milbrook AL |
| 2 |
Mike Williams 3941 |
Alabaster AL |
| 3 |
Bill Dodge 3887 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 4 |
David Phillips 3853 |
Hueytown AL |
| 5 |
Kenneth Blackwell 3758 |
Enterprise AL |
| 6 |
Dr Philip Spelt 3612 |
Oliver Springs TN |
| 7 |
Bob Wetzel 3588 |
Temple GA |
| 8 |
Jim Slocum 3544 |
Temple GA |
| 9 |
Richard Witt 3329 |
Cullman AL |
| 10 |
Don EIlor 3312 |
|
|
Novice |
| 1 |
Michael Wieczorek 3946 |
Marietta GA |
| 2 |
Charlie Johns 3938 |
Brewton AL |
| 3 |
David Phillips III 3932 |
Adger AL |
| 4 |
Garry Singleton 3710 |
Wetumpka AL |
| 5 |
Karl Gerth 3698 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 6 |
Bob Andrews 3662 |
Brewton AL |
| 5 |
Dan Dougherty 356 |
Powder Springs GA |
| 8 |
Jack Carwile 3361 |
Smyrna GA |
| 9 |
Charles Gray 3359 |
Terre Haute IN |
| 10 |
Ron Underwood 3346 |
Newman GA |
| 11 |
John Hancock 2287 |
Temple GA |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
|
|
Fountain
City Flyers
3rd Annual Bill
Johnston
Memorial Contest
Prattville Alabama
March 27 -28 2010
PRATTVILLE, AL........The
"season-opener" was a genuine test for wind-correction that all
19 stalwart SPA pilots handled with the "greatest of ease". Like
the "man on the flying trapese" we remained on our highest alert
for both rudder and aileron corrections to garner the best
scores we could.
What a hospitable group, the Fountain City Flyers team,
Marshalled by Jamie Strong left all contestants saddened by the
culmination of the event.....but as we all realize, and wasn't
it Sam Carnegie who said, "time flies when you're having fun"?
These folks had pleasantries for ALL.....awards were given as
well as vocal accolades by the CD at the awards ceremony for all
who participated. Jamie was so gracious in his testimonial for
EACH flyer as he distributed the awards.
Two "first-timers" experienced their initial full-fledged
contest. Eduardo Voloch, an accomplished IMAC pilot from
Atlanta, GA who dived into the EXPERT class and Michael
Wieczorek from Alabama who is one of the Dave Phillips "Top
Novice" graduates. What a joy meeting and flying with this pair.
Despite the sustained winds of 20 and gusts to 28MPH....not a
single casualty occurred during competition. The only crash
occurred after official flying on Saturday afternoon when the
receiver in Bill Dodge's CURARE balked and the model went in.
Mike Robinson, was stricken with some sort of stomach virus
overnight Friday night and had to depart Saturday morning for
home in Dalton, GA and about 28 hours of sleep and rest, loving
care and Granma's remedy, Castor oil (synthetic won't work in
this case)....and reported feeling muchly improved on Sunday
evening.
The schedule announced at the pilot's briefing was adhered to,
to the minute with flying beginning right after the pilot's
briefing on Saturday morning, four rounds complete by 3 PM, then
a good shower and off to the Catfish House for delicious food
and loads of fellowship.
Flying started promptly at 9 AM Sunday, two rounds, the awards
ceremony was such a delight, and folks were departing by 12:30.
Coming attractions announced by Dave Phillips of the Alabaster
"top Novice" contest for May 1, in Alabaster, AL, The SPA
contest in Knoxville, TN on the same week-end was voiced by Bill
Dodge, and Bill Collins reminded of the huge "Shrimp Broil" and
"fly-in" sponsored by his local John Deere dealership in
Guntersville, AL the Thursday night preceeding the Cullman
contest April 15. It will be held at the SERMA field in
Guntersville, AL, in case of rain, at his dealership. Folks may
come on the Wednesday or the Thursday of the Shrimp Broil and
fly at SERMA and stay in Guntersville (37 miles to Cullman
field) or go on to Cullman on Friday.
Prattville's annual SPA contest is a Memorial to the late Bill
Johnston who was KRAFT SOUTHEAST in the "golden era" of pattern.
Bob Owens, FCF President, Jamie, Ray Kunert, Gary Singleton and
others recently completed an addition to the memorial monument
to Bill, which can be seen in the photo reviews of the contest.
Bill would have been proud of his club's management and conduct
of this and each event at the excellent facility there.
The field not only boasted the new additions to the Bill
Johnston memorial, but a brand new toilet housed in a new
permanent structure, lighted, loaded with amenities like loads
of t-paper, towels, and a CRANE brand flushing toilet. Nothing
shy about FCF, The CLASS of this group shined like a new moon
this week-end. Thanks FCF for an excellent "kick-off" to the
2010 season!
SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood
|
Senior Expert -Expert |
| 1 |
Bruce Underwood 4000 |
Guntersville AL |
| 2 |
Jamie Strong 3882 |
Prattville AL |
| 3 |
Joseph Owens 3756 |
Tallahassee FL |
| 4 |
Eduardo Voloch 3214 |
Atlanta GA |
|
Sportsman |
| 1 |
Anthony Sweeney 4000 |
Millbrook AL |
| 2 |
David Phillips 3761 |
Hueytown AL |
| 3 |
Kenneth Blackwell
3560 |
Enterprise AL |
| 4 |
Jim Slocum 3434 |
Temple GA |
| 5 |
Bill Dodge 3433 |
Oak Ridge TN |
| 6 |
Eduardo Voloch 747 |
Atlanta GA |
|
Novice |
| 1 |
Charlie Johns 3981 |
Brewton AL |
| 2 |
Garry Singleton 3969 |
Wetumpka AL |
| 3 |
Michael Wieczorek
3927 |
Maylene AL |
| 4 |
David Phillips 3833 |
Hueytown AL |
| 5 |
Bob Andrews 3705 |
Brewton AL |
| 6 |
Frank Comer 3446 |
Alabaster AL |
| 7 |
John Hancock 3257 |
Temple GA |
Where Pictures are Present Click on the image for a
larger view
|
Bruce
Underwood Pictures |
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Eduardo Voloch
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