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Fort Worth Thunderbirds
Spring Event The spring Thunderbird SPA contest was held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 with 20 eager pilots to test their skills in the 15-20 MPH winds. The winds helped to cool the 88 degree temperature and made for a day of extreme flying and close competition. There three pilots under 15 years of age and two first time SPA participants, Murry Adams and Frank Halpin who both usually fly IMAC. Only 37 points separated first and third in Novice which was won by Richard Tibbits. In Novice-B only 4.5 points separated winner Brice Crawford from second place Logan Davis. Dave Dingman nosed out Ellis Newkirk by less than a single point at 2000 to 1999.41. Now that is some close competition! The wind was from the south and down the runway most of the day. It was the first SPA event held at new Thunderbird Field. The field is beautiful with a great view of Lake Benbrook that is clearly visible as you line up for the runway into the south wind. One airplane went into the lake when the beautiful Skylark 60 suddenly lost radio contact and spiraled into the water at full throttle. Nearby campers had a boat handy and retrieved the pieces. One other airplane was lost when the engine died as it was inverted and close to the ground. Gary Alphin and helpers cooked hamburgers and french fries for lunch, then had some chicken gumbo made the day before for dinner while we sat and discussed what happened in that crucial maneuver that made the difference. The pleasant evening was perfect for visiting with pilots from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Lindy Quinten won the OS 55 AX that was raffled and said he was very happy to win it as he had 2 dead-stick landings on his first 2 flights. Thunderbird members provided support in judging, scoring entry, serving food and drinks, running scores and doing everything needed to keep things moving. We used only one flight line most of the day to avoid any mid-airs because of the strong winds. The Thunderbirds would like to invite everyone to visit Ft. Worth and attend the first annual SPA Open, which is SPA West season ending championship, that will be held September 15 and 16. Come out and enjoy the fellowship and two days of SPA flying.
Ken Knotts - CD |
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Senior Pattern Association |
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| Dedicated to the Building, Flying and Competition of Vintage Pattern Model Aircraft | ||