The Senior Pattern Association flies planes and maneuvers from before January 1, 1976. No retracts, no pipes. The original concept was to keep things simple and cheap (no retracts, no pipes). We fly patterns with only center maneuvers. Last year, we flew eight contests in the southeast averaging about 30 pilots. There were also several SPA type events in other areas of the country. The competition is a bit more low key than regular pattern, and the planes considerably less sophisticated. I started flying SPA just to get more time in front of judges. Most of the guys I fly against will tell you I've improved because of it. I hardly ever invent maneuvers during a contest anymore.