Austin did indeed fly extremely well. I watched most of his flights and really liked what he was doing. While some of the guys may have gotten a bit worked up saying that they were at a disadvantage flying against the 2M Focus.. I can tell ya that Austin would have won the event even if he had been flying a .40 Tower Hobbies Kaos. Not knocking the little kaos at all because it's still a VERY viable aircraft for SPA compeition, but my point is that Austin flew the maneuvers properly. Striaght lines, good positioning, round loops that he tracked very well, great up/down lines.. you name it and he was doing it. The plane is obviously a great flying and very well trimmed plane, but it was the thumbs that won the contest, not the plane.

In the novice class, I just don't see that a SPA aircraft is at a disadvantage to any newer design. The maneuvers simply are not that demanding of the aircraft. The maneuvers are demanding of pilot skill and ability.

I don't want ANYTHING to be taken away from Austins performance at his 1st SPA event. I don't think that's been the intent at all, but I just felt compelled to point out that Austin's piloting skills are what won him 1st place in the event. The aircraft obviously didn't hurt him, but it did not do anything that ANY of the SPA aircraft can't do just as well!!!

/exit rant... flight complete