Fort Worth Thunderbirds SPA
Ft Worth, TX
June 16, 2012

The Fort Worth Thunderbirds hosted another Senior Pattern Association event on June 16. The contest was originally scheduled for Texas Wings, then was moved to Thunderbird Field. The weather was ideal with winds from the south at 10 to 15 MPH. There were pilots from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas who flew from 2 flight lines. Winners were decided after 4 rounds of flying with the lowest score thrown out.

Here are 16 of the 18 pilots and airplanes. There are always some late arrivals and one airplane was completed the morning of the event and made its maiden flight in round one! There was a wide range of airplanes and color schemes for the competition. The weather was beautiful with enough wind to keep it cool.

First time contestant Easton Carson was the only Novice-B participant and this kid can really fly. Watch out for him in the future!

Jonathan Efinger won Novice winning 3 of 4 rounds besting 7 other pilots.

Chuck Lee won Sportsman topping a field of 4 by winning 3 of 4 rounds with this beautiful airplane.

Expert was won by Dave Dingman besting Lindy Quinten 3,000 to 2,973.

The only fatality was when Gene Hodges lost orientation in the morning sun and his airplane went into the lake. It was retrieved by a passing boater.

Results:

Novice-B 1st - Easton Carson

Novice 1st - Jonathan Efinger
2nd - Tony Stelly
3rd - Mark Ehlers

Sportsman 1st - Chuck Lee
2nd - Murry Adams
3rd - Gary Alphin

Expert 1st - Dave Dingman
2nd - Lindy Quinten
3rd - Ken Knotts

Ken Knotts

Click on any thumbnail below to view larger photos.
Use the navigation at the top to return to the index page if desired.