I flew at my first BPA event this summer. My 1986 Atlanta, a slightly older XLT and a bunch of new Phoenix 7's. My OS pumper and an OS 60 non pumper also from the 80's or so were the only engines with no engine issues, no deadsticks etc. The other guys were mostly running newer stuff. Brought back old memories of engines dying before take off, on take off, and going deadstick. Add to that a broken header, multiple planes with retract issues and you realize how simple we have it now especially with the electrics. (I did blow a glow plug after the first round) The OS pumper even being over 25 years old started with a flick of the spinner cone each time. Only used a starter once that weekend.

Stuart