I agree with PatternFlyer 76. I got back in and with the SPA. I did not know anything about this until 18 months ago. I was finishing up a QQ Somenizi 86" Yak. We went up to Ohio for a visit, had dinner with some of my old rc buddies, they were talking about SPA/BPA, and the resurgence of old pattern. I returned home, looked at the P-6 I have carried around for many years, then found out I could buy a couple of ARF's, get flying right away. I did, then unloaded the Yak, joined SPA, and started all over again, where I left off in 1973. I may get out of Novice some day, but happy just to compete.
As far as SPA Expert flyer's using built up planes, I am sure they have been flying those planes since they built them, or took them off the basement, (garage), wall, put modern radios on board, and never missed a step, just fired up, took off, and just like riding a bike, back in the groove. Those guy's are an inspiration to us all.

I am going to fly 2 meter also, getting ready to equip 2 Focus Sports. More contest's that are within 500 miles of here, so another chance to compete again. No desire to be on a Wheaties box, but I can just keep trying to do better. AMA Pattern is another avenue, and I have gotten a lot of help with my questions from the 2 meter guy's, look forward to it.
Vince
Hobe Sound, FL