The Florida chapter of SPA was formed in December of 2007. A group headed by Orlando Frets of Orlando, and Bob Cox of Miami, held an organizational meeting and first contest in Apopka, FL. This area is a surrounding city of Orlando. BPA, (Ballistic Pattern), was also represented.

Being at a crossroads of the continuance for Florida Senior Pattern, the goal is to get more participant's on board with combined meetings and contest's. We are ready to start contacting AMA clubs throughout the state of Florida, and hoping to get the word out to those interested in Senior Pattern. The novice class has no age limits, and is a good way for someone to break into pattern with minimal investment.

We're looking for ways to send mail to many clubs throughout the state. Today, I plugged my zip code in for AMA clubs only 250 miles from my zip code of 33455, and came up with 210 AMA chartered clubs. The goal is to promote SPA, recruit members, and have sanctioned contest's throughout the state.

You can go to the SPA website, and everything is there, rules, planes, etc. The Alabama chapter has been very successful with pattern contest's in this category. If you flew pattern in the 60's and 70's, or later with the older planes, this is an opportunity for you to do something more then just boring holes in the sky on a weekend.

Participation by club's in Florida can also be a good way to bring revenue into your treasury. Club visit's by present Florida SPA members can be arranged.
SPA membership is only $20.00 per year. Please reply with any positive comments and suggestions to make Florida SPA successful.

Vince Vlassick
Hobe Sound, FL
[email protected]
772-834-9258
AMA 52779
SPA 377

Bob Cox
[email protected]
Miami, FL
305-218-2254

Vince and Bob.......what a delightful post. Let me wish you the BEST in your' endeavors in the
SUNSHINE STATE. You guys are so fortunate, what with your agreeable weather most of the year
as opposed to the "changable" stuff here in No. Alabama. An SPA "Judging Clinic" planned for
this coming weekend here in Guntersville, AL had to be cancelled due to rain, some snow, wind
etc. forecast for Saturday.

IMHO, you guys are in a HAVEN of good RC Model pilots and SPA activity and participation just
provides a greater "incentive" for us "boys" to show off and compete with our "toys". The
fellowship enjoyed by us SPA'ers is priceless. Our contest-circuit regulars are amost like
"family".

You are "right-on" with your referral for information on SPA to the SPA website....it is all there
for the "downloading"....the official COMPETITORS GUIDE, patterns, photos...the works. The
address for the website is:
www.seniorpattern.com
Anyway that we can be of assistance to you guys in your efforts, please advise.

Nothing but the BEST....to you in your efforts and to the fortunate modelers in the Sunshine
State who "respond" to your' recruiting for interest and participation.
Sincerely,
Bruce Underwood SPA 15 President
Guntersville, AL
[email protected]

Thanks for the nice comments Bruce. I am sure we will turn to you for advice and guidance. I feel we are in the embryo stage right now, looking to develop enthusiasm and participation. There are many retiree's in the south, and especially our state. Probably some ex-RC's, looking for something to do.

We will keep you in the loop. Have to keep the ball rolling. If you have any inquirie's from folks in Florida, please direct them to us.

Thanks,

Vince Vlassick
Hobe Sound, FL