Well, this past Saturday, Rick and I actually went out and practiced and called for each other.
First time I've done that in almost 20 years. What a hoot!

Any other Northeast SPA members in CT? Want to get together?

I sure would like to see more SPA in CT. I too had a great time with Nic, even though the wind was blowing pretty hard!

So, how about a roll call! Maybe, with enough interest, we could have an SPA event in our neck of the woods.

FB

FB & Nic:
I also fly in Salem, CT at R/C Propbusters and would like to get together with you guys. I am not sure if either of you remember GG Electronics in Seekonk, MA but Gary also is a SPA member and there may be a few more of us. How bout a Southern New England chapter of SPA.

Peace

Mark O'Connell
AMA 70920
SPA 337

Hey there Mark,

Rick and I are probably going to Salem field Sunday morning the 23rd for another practice session.

I think that is a great idea! I would be interested in joining a New England chapter of SPA.

Well, there's at least 4 of us. Could this be the start of a movement? How many does it take to start a SPA Chapter?

OK Guys:

I believe that 4 is the number of members it takes to start a chapter, we should check on it.

If you guys want a New England Chapter I'm all up for it.

Let's do one of those Larry the cable Guy things and

Git-Er-Done

I think there are a couple of more members in Mass that would join also.

Peace

Mark O

Actually, there IS a Northeast chapter already. Perhaps we can discuss this at the NJ meet Oct 27?

Instead of talking about a new chapter, why not try to schedule an event or two in New England next year? I probably won't ever be able to attend an event in NJ because I don't want to make the 7 hour drive, but perhaps an event in MA or CT would work? I know there are many great flying fields around New England so maybe we can get this to work.

Now I need to build a plane...!

Actually, Rick and I talked about that.

We are aware that there is a SPA chapter in NJ. And some of us are planning to attend the meet at the end of October. Until I ran into WEDJ, I didn't know of any other pilots in my area (CT), that were interested in SPA. Now it seems that there are others in the region with SPA interest.

Unfortunately, in today's world, travel, even a short trip to say NJ, is not easy for some (as you mention). There's family, work obligations and travel costs (gas, tolls etc.) to consider. Trying to flush out others in the same region with the same interest makes it easier for all to participate, and hopefully, get others interested so the whole organization grows. If there is a chapter closer to you, you'll be more inclined to join that chapter and attend events. Plus it's just plane fun to have a gathering and kick wing tips!

WEDJ and I talked about having a SPA event sometime next year, but before doing so, interest needs to be determined so that logistics can be figured out. No one would want to have an event at a site that couldn't accomodate, for example, an unexpected large turnout. Same goes for having an event at a great site that nobody shows up for. That would just turnoff the host club for any future events.

BTerry, you and I are on the same page, and it looks like for the same reasons. Another chapter would make the SPA stronger and possibly spin off some events closer to home for us. So lets get building!

FB

I agree with FB that there are alot of reasons to have a closer chapter. In the pattern days of the 80's and 90's the trip to Lakehurst NJ was just a walk in the park compared to district 3 & 4 meets but there just seems to be too much of life going on now. Between work, wife, kids college, daughters (and sons) with car issues and sick parents it is just better for alot of us to be closer to home but still would be nice to get together and fly the old time pattern planes and having a good time.

Besides we can be in more than 1 chapter.


Peace


Mark O

It is truly great to see the interest up there in New England, and the Northeast in general. I know there is probably the greatest potential for SPA growth in that area since there are so many former pattern flyers in the area. I have a couple suggestions you may want to consider as you decide about possible chapter formation with increased interest/growth in the area.

The existing chapters all formed around a club or relatively small area nucleus. Mickey started the Ga chapter there in the north Atlanta area, and the Tn group is centered in a certain club in the Knoxville area. The Alabama chapter I believe is centered in Culman Al--but within CLOSE driving range of other SPA members, so they can ALL attend the various contests in the area.

When Jim started the NE Chapter, there was no activity in the area at all, and of course, he wanted to attract folks from the whole region, but seven hours is a long way--what I would recommend would be to form a chapter wherever a cluster of members can support it---you need 5-10 ENTHUSIASTIC members to form a chapter. Chances are they will be MORE enthusiastic if they are close by. When you get 5-10 hepped-up folks in your area, form a chapter, (either a New England, or state chapter). At the same time, do whatever you can to support Jim and his chapter by trying to make any events held in the area--people from his chapter should do the same for you. I believe that as time goes by, the membership and area for Jim's chapter, (and it's name) will change to become more localized to modelers in Jim's area.

In the southeast "core" of SPA, many of us frequently attend contests that are within 250-300 miles of our homes depending on a number of factors. The established chapters are close enough together that members can usually attend each other's events, however in the case of the Asheville, NC and Prattville Al contests, (where both sites are kind of on the "edges" of the membership, each contest will attract its own group. Some SPA leaders like Jamie and Bruce have traveled great distances to try to support all SPA efforts, but there are limits even for these folks--Jamie has told he he probably can't come to Asheville each time any more, and I haven't been to Prattville yet.

There are many of the newer SPA members such as myself, that don't belong to a specific "chapter" as such, but just belong to SPA and attend as many contests as possible. I am getting close to forming a "Carolina" chapter that at first will include both North and South Carolina members. Perhaps some day there will be enough members in each state for each to have its own chapter.

The key is to get enough members in a certain area that are enthusiastic about SPA, and might want to stage an official contest in their area. That is the basis for chapter formation. Consider the interest in your local area, and best of luck. People like MIckey, Bruce, Scott, Steve Byrum etc can be invaluable as you try to figure out the best way to go.

Duane Wilson

Guys,
Sorry I have not been up to speed lately on the Northeast SPA , I have had some computer problems for the last two weeks or so. I would think that having SPA contest across the Northeast would be fantastic. Although I started the Northeast chapter in Nj does not mean there could be more events around the North East, including Ct. ! I would love to see our N.E chapter have events through out our area and I would definitly make the trip up to CT, PA , Upstate NY, NJ or anywhere we plan to have a contest.
I look at the most active area of SPA and it is generally in the S.E. They have contest in AL, GA TN and NC. Surely with the growing interest in SPA I believe that multiple SPA contest would be great through out the flying season.

Really what it takes is organization and a place to hold the event. If clubs are willing to host a contest, I say let's go for it! So for those that think they would like to have a contest in their local area, talk to your club and certainly we can start setting up a contest schedule for the upcoming year. I do not doubt that not only would this be a lot of fun but certainly would help our chapter grow. I feel that there is a very strong interest in SPA, and I would love to be able to attend other contests through out our region.

I have recieved some very excellent feedback for the upcoming fly in on October 27,2007. My goal is to get others flying SPA and see some more events in the future. I look forward to the 27th every day, because I know we will have a great time!

please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or comments you have!
Take it easy,
Jim Hamilton

Sorry to but in guys, a friend suggested I get on a forum and ask for help. I purchased a Super Curare at an estate auction to fly. I am a beginner and since have had numerous pilots tell me to forget flying it that it is way to advanced for me to mess up. So I am taking there advise. Where do I get rid of a Curare Pattern plane?, does any one have any idea of its value and if its any type of collector. It has a Black head Rossi .60 with air retracts and some type of air spoiler on top of the wings or air brakes? any one willing to help me with this one.

Thanks Brad

All very good comments and suggestions. Certainly the Northeast can have another chapter, say in CT RI or MA.

Maybe it could be the NorthNorthEast chapter?

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the NJ meet. Back in the day, I would go to Bridgewater and Pittsfield MA, NCRCC & Bridgeport CT meets, a PA meet, a couple of Long Island meets, and a few NY ones. That was like 8 or 9 meets every summer.

bb90420

See the PM I sent you

Duane

Here's a shot of Mad Man Mark-O and me from yesterday. We're practicing!

For the contest on Oct 27, is the field grass or paved? It will make a difference in which plane I use.

Went out SPA flying Sunday morning with Nic and his son at Salem, CT. Trying to practice some SPA patterns. Breaking in the engine on the WM Intruder so I flew the Utter Chaos. Had a little problem with my UC's 22 year old covering on the stabilizer. Nic and his son did some good flying with Peppermint Pattie and a Goldberg Sr. Falcon. We have to watch out for that young guy he will get us soon. Fixed up the Chaos and went back later flying good again. Good to fly pattern again.

Peace

Mark O

Here's a shot of the happy camper, my #2 son Ethan. He's just turned 12. Another few years he'll out fly his old man.

Hi Nic:

That is a great shot of Ethan. Been working on my Sr. Falcon.
Must be all thatdark hair brings out all the other colors. We will have to start a Jr. Senior Pattern Association so that we don't get whipped as bad.

Have a Good Week. Plan to fly on Sat.morning for a little while. Going to the Valley on Fri. going to turn some tires.

Take Care

Mark O

Well, I just ordered a winter project from Eureka Aircraft Co. - a Banshee!! This has been high on my for some time now, so I decided it was time to act.

I've got a Goldberg Skylark that's almost ready to go. Looking to maiden on Sunday. I'll post some pics when it's completed.

BTW - I think we need to give Ethan a run for his money! Hope we all can get together in the next few weekends!

FB

Stopped out at the R/C Propbusters field in Salem, CT this morning. Rick, Nic and Eathan were out practicing SPA. Got in a couple of quick flights with my Intruder. Plane flies much better than the pilot. Ricks Skylark looks and flies beautiful and Nic has his Sr. Falcon tuned sweet. Young Eathan had his first solo with the Sr. Falcon just like the old days . SPA is alive, well and being flown in Connecticut. This coming weekend is the NJ contest. I hope our summer like weather holds up. Should be a good time.

Good Flying

Peace

Mark O

Enclosed are some pics of our newest SPA enthusiast Rob Larson. He scratched the Bridi Kaos frrom RCM plans. Powered by an OS 70 FS and guided by Futaba 9C with 9202 servos. All up weight is 5&3/4 Lbs. Rob has missed the NSRCA type pattern for a few years now and decided that there may be enough SPA guys in the New England area to get some contests going. As you can see the weather has kinda closed in on us here in New England but it's building season. My old orange utter Chaos is in the shots with Rob's new bird. Hopefully we will get through a quick winter season and they will both be airborne soon .

Peace

Mark O

Hey, Rob,

Nice underside. Who cut all the little black squares for you? Plane is looking good!