My bro from Indiana (speedster1919) will be hosting his first SPA contest in July or August (they're still setting up the 2008 event calendar). I don't know where he caught this bug but its contageous. He's gave it to his Johnson County club members, then to me (over the phone no less), and now I'm passing it on to my buds in Florida... From what I have heard...there is no cure

We'll, I dropped in on the SPA contest at the RCACF field in Apopka (near Orlando) today. Talked it up with some of the pilots, had a good burger, and watched some kewl flyin. As we left the field my bud started talking about joining the SPA and talking our club (SE of Tampa) into hosting a contest next year (maybe a combined SPA/BPA). Not sure I'm ready for that yet, but I have already ordered a Tower Kaos ARF w/ a Tower .46. This should be a great frame to learn pattern. While I probably could use it to compete...I think my twitchy fingers will need a bigger (slower and more graceful) plane and by then the Kaos will have a few dings and would be better as a backup. So, I'm asking myself, what do I want to build? After a couple weeks of reading everything I could absorb on the Forums, SPA site, RCM Plans, and various vendors that are increasingly kitting these vintage planes, I think I've settled on my next build (after the Kaos of course). Here's what I've come up with.

The SPA version of a King Altair by Home and Hobby Solutions (new kit due out any day now) coupled with a Magnum .91RFS.

The King Altair apparaently has never competed, so while it's got great bones, it's kind of hard to tell whether it's going to be a top contender, but I think sometimes you make these decisions based on some kind of connection rather than specs. I don't know why exactly, but I think that plane has my name on it...

The Magnum engine choice was destiny. I picked it up on sale last year for a cool $129 and I've been waiting for the right plane. I'm sure there are purists of other manufacturers that will think I should go with another brand, but I'm putting 2 girls through college and my toy's budget is what it is...limited. The one thing I'm worried about is will it be enough power for the verticals on a King Air? I'm hoping that for the SPA version, with clipped wings and reduced weight, it will be just right. If not, I guess it will be fun finding out.

I don't really have a question...just wanted to kick off the begining of my pattern quest with this post to mark the event.

Cheers, JLS