P51B

I just wanted you to know that since the May issue of Model Aviation, and the follow-up article by Eric Henderson in his column, SPA has experienced at last count at least a 35% increase---just since May. I truly believe that although SPA is spoken of frequently in this forum, most "regular" club flyers have never heard of it--SPA is one of the best kept secrets in AMA, but more people are finding out and are joining. Just this past weekend we held a contest in Chattanooga ,Tn, and got 5 new memberships from within the local club, and first-time competitors. I think SPA has a great future because competition NEVER gets old, and is not generational. Sure the planes are "vintage", but the same designs that are nostalgic for some of us are NEW designs for teens and "kids" in their 20s. Also, the "price is right".

8178 will be interested to know there is a current resurgance of 2-strokes. Mickey Walker showed up at the last contest with a NEW Dirty Birdy sporting a hot 2-stroke. That plane and a Compensator were the fastest planes there, and performed well.

Several of the new members added to the roles are from Texas. Check out the SPA website, and ask the officers where the Texas members are located.

Duane