For anyone interested in joining an excellent Special Interest group I am in the process of forming a chapter within the Senior Pattern association in the Northeast (NJ,NY,PA, DE, MD) .
I joined the SPA last MAy and have attended one event last Sept. I have had such an excellent experience and have enjoyed participating in this group so much that I decided to start a chapter here in the northeast.
The SPA is a special interest group of the AMA. The primary interest is to promote the fellowship and camradarie of classic pattern flying. The stlye of precision aerobatics is focused mainly on pre- 1976 and older pattern aircraft and the class and manuevers of that era. In most respects it is very much like todays style of Pattern competition, but the main focus is to really enjoy what pattern Flying is all about, having a great time and enjoying the competitive sport with others.
My goal is that once the chapter is formed that we will be holding SPA events here in the northeast. SPA contest are similar to most pattern contest with some exceptions. First off, the aircraft must be designed prior to 1976 and there is engine limitations also. The engine sizes are limited to a .61 two stroke or .91 fourstoke, no tuned pipes or supercharged engines and no retracts, electric motors of equal size are permitted as well. The only exceptions ar for the novice class in which any airplane or engine size may be used. There are three popular classes for SPA. Novice, Advanced and Expert (including Senior Expert) additionally there are classes for antique pattern aircraft (prior to 1965).
SPA is a great group to join if you really like and enjoy precision aerobatics. Flying in SPA does not cost you an arm and leg either. Most airplanes used in competition are well within reason of costs, and several SPA legal aircraft are still offered as kits and ARF.
If anyone is interested in more information please check out the Senior Pattern Associations website at
www.seniorpattern.com
For anyone interested in information about the new chapter forming here in the northeast please feel free to email me at
[email protected]
Thanks,
Jim Hamilton