Photos                                            Scores

CHATTANOOGA 2017........Evidently drawing from his expertise as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), CD Scott Anderson avowed at the pilot's briefing on Saturday morning, "I want all to have a delightful and healthy fun-filled weekend". "The forecast is calling for high temps and very humid conditions, so I'm providing big coolers of Ice water under each judges tent. It's there, it's free, please consume plenty and stay hydrated". I'm confessing, this was one of the most beneficial of the numerous hospitable acts personified by Scott, Missy and the Chattanooga RC Club this weekend. Scott and Missy, the CCRC officers and several members just outdid themselves with the acts of hospitality this weekend.

Let me cover the finale prior to the preceding events, if I may. Scott, well known throughout the modeling industry through his connection with AMA and it's associates, promotes some of the biggest and best raffle events on the SPA East circuit. Take a look at Scott and Missy behind the raffle prize display. This "marketing" of the actual prizes included led to a huge sale of raffle tickets and much success. Here's the contributors that Scott says made it possible: (Cut and Pasted from his post to the SPA Discussion List)

• 5 planes
• 1 engine
• 1 radio
• Stuff from
• Pulse Battery
• Tru-Turn
• Bob Smith Industry
• RTL Hardware
• APC
• Progressive RC
• Sullivan
• TACTIC
• RA Cores
• Tite Bond Glue
• Flight Test
• Ballistic Aircraft Company
• CRCC
• Chief Aircraft
• Planewappers

Scott posted a brief "recap" of the event Sunday evening. He said (Cut & Pasted)

• 21 paid registered pilots
• 2 crashes
• 6 rounds

Saturday it stormed within 1/2 mile of the flying site, but we remained dry. The 4 rounds complete by 3 PM. Sunday was lovely with 2 more rounds and presentations made and departing by 1 PM EDT. Scott announced a 9 AM start on Sunday morning, it started promptly at 9 AM.

A "first" was initiated at this contest, it was announced at the initial pilots briefing, there will be no RUNNERS. The pilot will carry his scoresheets after each flight to Jim Johns in the scorekeepers quarters. Laughingly, some asked "are the scores gonna be in pencil?" Scott answered, "no, in RED INK". A few times the pilot had a short discussion about some individual something that occurred during his flight with an individual judge. It worked "flawlessly" as did the scorekeeping chores conducted by Jim Johns and Harold Donaldson of the CRCC club who assisted with accuracy checking. Here's a "shot" of the pair:

The two crashes referred to earlier....Mr. Ed Gonzales from Asheville, NC, during round 3 lost his KAOS, and Dan Dougherty had the vertical fin and rudder totally "eject" during his flight. Dan was able to maintain flight for about 30 seconds without any vertical stability. It was incredible, to say the least.

Scores and other comments appear elsewhere but I must comment on the "excellent" turnout in the NOVICE class. 7 NOVICE pilots participated for the largest turnout of Novices this season here in SPA East. Congratulation to all the NOVICE pilots, especially those 3 or 4 who flew in their 1st SPA contest. Welcome to SPA fellowship. We're proud you joined us.

Again, this contest saw some of the best EXPERT competition anywhere! There were 5 guys who flew most of their maneuvers just like they were demonstrating how the PERFECT maneuver is defined in the SPA rulebook. This assessment was shared by both Jeff Owens and Matt Griffith with whom I had the privilege of judging these fine pilots. As you study the scores (elsewhere), note the closeness.

Scott, Missy, CCRC, you hosted a delightful weekend and those of us who attended and participated, are so very grateful for your' class. Always love coming to "choo-choo" city and this year was "one of the best". There will be lots of photos, scores and other comments elsewhere.

Bruce Underwood, PIO