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2016 Cass Underwood and
Ken Scott
Hello, SPA family.
It was chilly, overcast and windy when Bobbie and I arrived at the FCF field Thursday afternoon. The only folks there were two club members who had just finished mowing the field. It looked GREAT! I chatted with Brice for a bit, then we retreated to our motel. We spent a couple hours at Bass Pro Shop, then had a great Mexican dinner at El Cerrito restaurant. Friday's weather was a carbon copy of Thursday, but several folks showed up at the field anyway. CD Larry Hill, Jamie Strong, Tom Stennis, Bruce Underwood and a few others arrived at various times. Greg and Debbie Hoke brought their travel trailer and gorgeous new Dodge Ram puller, and Charlie Johns arrived with his new travel trailer as well. Most of us spent the day out in the elements, while the wives were wise enough to stay out of the elements. We finally to call it a day around 4 p.m. and head for our warm motels and some supper. Saturday was another repeat performance by the weather gods - chilly and overcast with a 10-15 mph crosswind directly in our faces with gusts to 20 mph. CD Larry Hill, Ray Kunert and other FCF club members got everything set up, while Garry Singleton and I handled registration. The pilots meeting was held, and Larry announced a few special rules due to the weather. I know those conditions aren't unusual for you guys in the SPA West, but we here in the Heart of Dixie don't see them often so aren't as well equipped to handle them. 1) Only one flight line due to the limited turnout. 2) Takeoffs and Landings would score a 10 unless the airplane was broken. 3) Takeoff from the runway, then turn 90° and fly across the field, then land on runway.
Through all the carnage, aviation continued until four rounds were completed, then we adjourned to a delightful dinner at the Fantail Seafood Buffet. Sunday was much like Saturday, except for brilliant sunshine and blue skies. Two more rounds were successfully completed with no further aircraft damage and the trophies were presented. Larry Hill was the only entrant in Novice, but elected not to fly. Sportsman featured a spirited battle, with all four contestants winning at least one round. Charles Gray emerged the victor, with Duane Wilson, Charlie Johns and Ken VandenBosch in hot pursuit. Jim Johns was the inly entrant in Advanced, so he elected to fly only one flight and then concentrated on the scoring duties along with some visiting. In Expert, Jamie Strong won the first round, but sustained landing gear damage and elected to spend his time in the judging chair instead of flying. Greg Hoke then put on a clinic of great flying to take the win. President Jeff Owens flew his 35 year old Deception to the win in Senior Expert class with Keith Watson close on his heels. Dave Phillips kept them honest taking 3rd, and I documented Bruce's problems earlier.
Many thanks and kudos to Larry Hill, Jamie Strong and the other FCF club members who welcomed us warmly to their great field. This is my first Prattville contest, and I hope to return soon. Here are the winners photos and the scores. Garry Singleton and Bobbie Johns took lots of other wonderful photos which I'll post soon.
Jim Johns, Webmaster
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Senior Pattern Association |
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| Dedicated to the Building, Flying and Competition of Vintage Pattern Model Aircraft | ||
I
would like to thank everyone who came out this weekend
and braved the direct crosswinds of 12-14 mph sustained,
20 plus gust, and all the havoc it caused. Just can't
call the weather, but the appreciation of us at FCF says
a big THANKS, and hope somewhat the fellowshipping, Food
and visiting our quant little town somehow help make up
and trumped out the weather conditions we endured. 
Aviation
commenced shortly thereafter, but disaster struck on the
second flight of the day. Bruce Underwood took off with
his faithful old Tiger Tail and was trying to adjust his
elevator trim when he accidentally turned his
transmitter off. The results were devastating, and the
remains fit into a trash bag after Bruce stripped off
all the reusable parts. Unfortunately, this was the 3rd
airplane he had lost since the end of last season. Other
damages included:
I
must comment on the excellent turnout by our wonderful
ladies of SPA. These women follow their men to many
strange and inhospitable places. they are the backbone
of SPA and quite honestly, I couldn't do this without my
wife Bobbie. L-R: Lori Bush, Bobbie Johns, Debbie Hoke,
Penny Wilson, Jane Underwood and Peggy Phillips. Ann
Johns had yet to emerge from her camper when this photo
was taken. 
