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Fort Worth Thunderbirds SPA Contest
Contestants came from as far as Atlanta, Georgia and Cabot, Arkansas and pilots ranged in age from 10 years to 69. Murry Adams, Chuck Ezell, Dale Sparks and Bob Hoover provided judging so no contestants had to be judges. Benny Throne took over for Bob Hoover in the afternoon. Novice-B was won by Tony Steely with Tim Reed second and 10 year old Parker Gaines third. Logan Davis finished a close third and Richard Tilton was fifth when his firewall came loose and he didn't get to fly the last two rounds. Gary Nelson won the Novice class with Richard Tibbits second and Gene Hodges Third. There were seven pilots in that hard fought class. Sportsman class was a runaway for Blake Arnold with Chuck Lee second and Gary Alphin third. Ellis Newkirk couldn't get to the field in time for the first round of Expert class and flew the last three rounds and won them all, taking first place. Lindy Quinton took second followed closely by Dave Dingman. This was our first year to have a Senior Expert class (age 65 and over) and Julio Arrieta assisted by his wife Petra from Atlanta taking first with Ken Knotts second. Many different vintage airplanes were flown and some with beautiful color schemes. Steve Ehlers rounded up some really nice door prizes for pilots. Thanks for all the help from Thunderbirds who made the contest a success. Ken Knotts |
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Senior Pattern Association |
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| Dedicated to the Building, Flying and Competition of Vintage Pattern Model Aircraft | ||
The
Thunderbird Senior Pattern Association contest was greeted
with beautiful weather and wind from the south right down
the runway. Twenty one contestants signed up for the event
with many having their first-time in front of judges. Pilots
got to fly four rounds with two flight lines going at the
same time (and no mid-airs). The only airplane lost was in a
practice flight before the judging began.