The King Altair is a big plane-especially for the time period, ('67). It flies somewhat slower than other SPA planes, (which doesn't bother me), but is somewhat challenged on verticals with an OS 91 based on its size, relatively thick wing, and higher weight. It also presents beautifully, (IMHO), and is very smooth and graceful looking in the air--has a long tail moment. I have been flying it at home with a Saito 100, and probably will use that engine in Novice class. It gives it a little extra "zing" in the verticals.

Jack Dunn, clipped the wingspan from 80" to 70" by removing wingtips, and about 2 in from each side. He also changed the shape of the vertical fin to give the rudder a vertical hinge line for knife-edge, point rolls etc. The ailerons have been changed from strip to about 18" long on each wing, and 2" wide.

I bought the plane from Rusty Miller when he got out of R/C, and before I joined SPA. I was so impressed with everything about the way the plane flew, (it may not be the perfect SPA plane for the higher class maneuvers, but where I am, it suits me perfectly), that I decided to scratch-build two of them--they are nearing completion if I can just discipline myself to keep working on them a little each day. Since I started building, I have joined SPA, and have been flying other planes to be sure to keep the K.A. in one piece, while I use the original as a reference, (there are a lot of small "engineering" changes made by Jack, and it's helpful to see how he did things).
I am making a concerted effort to remove any unnecessary weight during he building process. Because of the building project, I haven't flown the Altair this season, but I'm planning to bring it to Cullman Oct 8th.