Thunderbird SPA
Benbrook, Texas
April 30, 2011

The weather was great and the flying even better. There were 19 pilots signed up to fly at this year's event and pilots showed a variety of airplanes and flying skills. We managed to hit the weather perfect as the wind was blowing 30+ mph the day before and a cold front came through Sunday with strong winds, lightening and rain.

The Novice-B pilots were first to go on flight line one. When they completed their first round we opened the second flight line and continued the day flying two aircraft at a time. The four dedicated judges allowed us to get in five rounds in all classes.

Fatalities were few, although a wing decided to go its own way from one plane and pilot disorientation after going through the sun was the demise of another. Several pilots participated in their first competition.

Steve Ehlers gathered a lot of donations for the event and every pilot received a gift. He also raffled a Futaba 6EX radio and a Sunrise EP pattern airplane. Sponsors were very good to us and everyone was very pleased with the quality of the prizes.

The winners

Novice - B
1st - Tim Reed
2nd - Jeff Dalton
3rd - Tony Stelly

Novice
1st - Gene Hodges
2nd - Mark Ehlers
3rd - Gary Nelson

Sportsman
1st - Michael Clements
2nd - Ken Knotts
3rd - Blake Arnold

Expert
1st - Ellis Newkirk
2nd - Lindy Quinton
3rd - Dave Dingman

The Thunderbirds are looking forward to the fall SPA contest to be held on September 17, 2011 and the new field should be open by then. Several pilots attended this meet as a spectator who said their airplane would be ready for the fall event.