Mturowski----Well said, you are "right on" about everything you mentioned. The Dirty Birdy is a very slick and fast plane with or without a pipe. It has very sleek lines that come from all that sanding. I had a fiberglass version I flew back in the 80s until I pulled up when the plane got too close to the ground while inverted. I have another nearly completed fiberglass version I bought from a friend 20 years ago but have had in storage.

We have one fella in SPA who "specializes" in the Dirty Birdy, and goes out of his way to build a light version. I believe he offers these for sale--I can give you his e-mail if you'd like.

Mturowski----About competition, you don't have to practice to the point of perfection before coming out and giving it a try. You don't need to embarrass us--if Jim offers a contest, just pick your class, practice a week-end or two and come on out. You'll know then whether or not you'd like to get more involved.

BTW--SPA dues are only $20, (mostly for the newsletter), and there is a discussion forum similar to this, (www.seniorpattern.com)

Duane