Dick,

Neither the Venus II or the Spot-On would qualify for SPA. All the pattern associations AMA, IMAC, SPA allow interested folks to fly whatever they have for an airplane as introduction to their type of flying in their basic classes. So if you've got a aerobatic airplane of some sort give a go and see how you like pattern.

There is no doubt the airplanes designed specifically for pattern fly better than say a sport flier. My Venus II for instance will fly pattern maneuvers quite well in the right hands (not necessarily mine [&o]). However, there is a big difference between it and a good 2 meter pattern ship the required investment shows it. Frankly I'm just not at that proficiency level yet to make that type of commitment or investment. SPA pattern on the other hand allows for relatively inexpensive pattern flying and fun.