It seems I am going to have to get something together with Tom and John and organize something here in Central NC. Just as most who are reading this thread agree, there are a lot of either ex pattern pilots who "faded" or those who just wandered from the fold that I believe would support an SPA type event.

At this point in time I am not an SPA member but that is a $20 fix. I do agree with statements made here that if you want to change something, you have to get involved so I guess it is up to me to put a good foot forward.

I realize that some flying sites have noise issues which make 4 strokes and no pipes a way of life. At my field I am lucky that noise isn't a problem (except for those noisy geese!) I intend on having some type of old style pattern event in the Spring next year in Hurdle Mills, NC. While everything is an option right now, I am planning on not having any rules concerning pipes or retracts. It will basically be a "run what you brung" event for novice with anything pre 1984 allowed in classes above that. (Thinking small I may just have Novice and Masters) This might be seen as "unpure" SPA but if it gets people involved, I think it would be worth it. I don't go to Charlote, Rockingham, Richmond or Martinsville to hear race cars with mufflers and if people drive here for a "old style" contest, then that's what they want to hear.

I am going to do a little poll taking among the guys at my field and at other clubs just to get an idea if it would indeed be worth the effort. I would appreciate any ideas (or interest) in this idea.

Dan

aka deadstik [8D]