I am considering flying pattern. I live in Nashville, TN so I am close to alot of the SPA contest, so that is the direction I would like to head. My reason for wanting to fly pattern is to improve my flying and give me a purpose when I get to the field. I am leaning towards getting a Bridi Killer Kaos. At present I do not have a sport style plane so I am going to have to get something. I figure since I am starting from scratch I might as well get something that is SPA legal, if and when I move out of novice. Which brings me to my question. How much does the average person have to practice weekly in order to become competitive at the differnet levels?

Thanks,
Todd

Hello up there in "Music city" Todd. Naturally, Pattern flyings' objective is to "execute the maneuver perfectly". Practice until,
within your own mind, you have that maneuver down perfectly. The Killer KAOS is an excellent plane to fly....Jon Johnson of
the Chattanooga, TN club has flown one for going on the third season now and is very good with it.

I think I have a picture of Mr. Mickey Walker (Founder Emeritus of SPA) and the original KAOS which was donated to
the AMA Museum after the Cullman contest last season. This particular one had a 2S 60 in it (motor was not in it when
Walker posed with it for the pix).

There are drawings of each maneuver, downgrades, etc. in the 2007-2008 COMPETITORS GUIDE which may be downloaded
from the SPA website at:
WWW.seniorpattern.com
under DOWNLOADS.

If you have any problem downloading it let me know via private e-mail and I'll send you the NOVICE section via e-mail or
you may order a CD of it from the SPA Sec/Tres...Steve Byrum 1326 3rd St. SE Cullman, AL 35055 for $2.00.
Steve could provide you with a listing of all TENNESSEE members if you're seeking some fellow pattern pilots in the
"big orange state".

Looking forward to seeing and flying with you on the circuit this season.
Bruce Underwood SPA # 15 - Pres.
[email protected]

Todd--you're making a WISE CHOICE. I am absolutely thrilled with your reasons for going into pattern.....part of the reason is that I have written a second article for Model Aviation, (first was in the May 2006 issue---the second should appear sometime this summer), where the reasons for flying pattern, (in general), and SPA in particular are discussed. You have made TWO of the very same points I make in that article----that pattern gives you a REASON for going to the field, (a goal to shoot for), and it makes you a better pilot--even if that was not your primary goal in the first place---it's going to happen. Your statements are a reaffirmation to me that I am "on track" with that article. I hope there are a whole lot more people like you out there who will pick-up on those ideas---precision, (emphasis on precision)---aerobatics is where the fun is for me, and I'm sure you'll have a "blast" when you come out to fly with us.

As for your second question---the more you practice, the better you get. Bruce didn't say it, but NOBODY practices more than Bruce, and it shows in the end result. I would think that if you fly at least once a week, (like I have done in the past), and dedicate those flights to practicing the maneuvers--you'll do just fine, and will be "right in there". I hope to practice more this season, and someday hope to graduate from Novice. I'm not in that big a hurry though because the competition doesn't get easier as you move up into Sportsman.

As for planes, there is an excellent SPA-legal ARF that has been recently re-released by AirBorne Models--the Intruder 90 that flys like a dream, and is competitive in all classes. The Javelin is another nice starter ARF that is very popular in Novice only. If you like to build kits, Jeff Petroski puts out beautiful Taurus and Kwik Fli III replicas--(laser cut kits).

Hope that helps and good luck!!

Duane

Thanks, that helps a ton. I had read Bruce's remarks in the "Saito or OS" thread about the 5-6 flights, 3-4 times a week and got scared. There is no way I can fly that much, but 1-2 times a week with 3-4 flights is do-able. Just wanted to make sure I had time for doing this at least semi-right before I jumped in with both feet.

Thanks agian,
Todd

It's really more about enjoying the experience of competition with the emphasis placed on each individual having a good time, and the fellowship of a bunch of great guys who help each other and work together . Then there is the pleasure of watching others fly, sharing information, (ie networking), going out to eat afterward, etc etc, and just the fun of precision aerobatics in general that keeps people coming to SPA events in growing numbers. I can honestly say that while everyone is serious about doing their best, winning a little trophy is just icing on the cake, not the primary objective.

Look forward to seeing you this season. You might consider joining the Discussion List on the SPA website. You can get to meet the guys, (in a way), and ask questions if you'd like. There is a great wealth of knowledge and "know-how" out there, and everyone is willing to share information.