Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

I’m not trying to mislead anyone with the title… but it sounds so cool…lol. So what does a friend who’s only flown 2 pattern contests this year ask a friend who’s burnt out on pattern after the Worlds? Wanna go to a pattern contest? (I’ll be here all week hehehe ).

So I asked Ryan (RMcL here) ‘what are we going to fly? We have a plane for everything except SPA.’ After talking it over we decided it would be 1 of 3 choices, a Tower Kaos, GP Stick or something that was hanging up at Graves Hobbies. So on Friday afternoon, on the way to the field for some ‘fun pattern flying’ with the Eon, I stopped by Graves. If you haven’t been there, the ceiling area is filled with used planes. I figured of the few hundred hanging around, surely I’d find something. So I walked around, head high and was starting to worry. I wasn’t seeing anything that fit ‘our’ taste and was also SPA legal. So I headed towards the back row, the last of the planes… and there it was. The old, wrinkled white Killer Kaos. I wasn’t sure if it was legal so I called Ryan and he said it was on the list. Down it came and into my cart it went. I picked up a few odds and ends to finish it off and packed it in with my Eon and off to the field. Ryan met me out there and we did some flying with the Eon and started stripping down the Kaos in the pits. Tank, wheels and spinner were left on the table for anyone to take. They were too heavy for what we had planned. The Webra 60/61 came out and the servos in the wing were removed. It was now ready for fun.

First the Kaos. This is a Killer Kaos from either Blue Jay or Direct Connection, we don’t know. As you can see, we wanted to ‘improve’ on what we now had. The plane was heavy, even though it felt light. Since we weren’t going to use a 61, we needed it as light as possible. So Sunday morning I cut off some of the bottom covering, took out the Dremel with the carbide ball and went to town. Wood selection in this kit wasn’t the lightest stuff, but certainly was strong. After putting holes wherever there was wood, we put looked at the wing and thought ‘it looks too big’. As you can see, we shortened it one bay on each tip. After cutting it and putting the wing on the fuse, we looked at each other and wondered… did we go too far…lol. We figured that if we put the tips back on it would look just right and stopped worrying. So I went back to work on the wing and Ryan was working on the new motor mounting. The reason we wanted the plane light was because we were putting the OS-55AX in it. Having pulled it out of the Era we knew that 5lbs was the goal. We also didn’t want the muffler pointed at the top of the plane so the motor was side-mounted and muffler run out the bottom. This worked great for keeping the top of the plane clean.

Now that the wing was lightened, we went back to the aileron servos. They were 148’s mounted to plywood plates. Too heavy! CRACK, CRACK… out came the mounting blocks in the wing and the servos were moved one bay in and further forward (needed more nose weight with the lighter motor). And since we were making it light, we used 9650 servos and saved weight there. I cut off some of the extra wire on the landing gear, added Du-Bro Super Light 2.5” wheels and recovered the bottom. The wing was now done.

Tail: Since the rudder and elevators were solid wood, removal of the covering and Dremel balling was in order here too. 3 big holes in the rudder and 6 in each elevator removed a few ounces in the tail. Also a good thing with the 55, but we wanted more out of it. Rudder nyrod… gone, pull-pull instead. 60 sized tailwheel assembly and wheel… removed. 40 sized tailwheel assembly and 1” foam wheel. Rear bottom of the fuselage fully sheeted… Dremeled out and recovered.

Radio compartment: Since the goal was to be under 5lbs, we also chose to use 9650’s for the rudder and elevator. The nyrod was left since it was smooth back to the elevator. Since the rudder was now going to be pull-pull, it was mounted up against the LE former. A 3102 micro servo was used for throttle and mounted right behind the rudder servo. We used the 606 FASST Rx and a 2-cell Thunder Power 730 battery for power. Also had to use a 6V Shulman Aviation regulator to keep from running a straight 7.2+ volts through the system. Final weight… 5lbs 4ozs. Perfect!

Wednesday even Ryan comes over after work to help with finishing up the aileron servos and making sure everything is ready to go. With only 30 min of flying light left, we decided to go for it. 25 min later we were running around putting the plane together, fueling and firing it up. Off it goes… a few clicks of up trim, 2 clicks of aileron and it’s flying. We’re both laughing cause it actually flew really well, from what we could see. The flight had to be limited to 6 minutes cause we ran out of light at 4 minutes, but it flew. Plan now was Thursday that I would meet Ryan at the field and get in some practice before we left Friday. Thursday’s practice went well. Added some lead to one tip, put a little KE mix in it and set-up 2 rates (low for me and high for Ryan). Ryan got in a few flights and we were ‘ready to go’ to Atlanta on Friday.

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

a few more (will update as I can't find more finished pics)

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

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RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

SPA Masters Championships in Atlanta:

Drive up Friday afternoon was uneventful. Some rain just as we got past Atlanta but we knew there would be some from the weather reports we saw. We called a couple of hotels, but they were all booked. So we went a few exits past where we were supposed to be staying and found one with rooms. Great, we’ll get up early, grab some McD’s (right next to hotel) and get to the field before 8:30. We were right on target… except the names of the roads were changed and not what we had on our Mapquest map! So 35 min later, a call to Joe W. and we were there. Thankfully they didn’t hold it against us for being late, just laughed at us for using Mapquest and not GPS…lol. Ryan and I did the drill again as Expert was up first and we were in ready box 1 and 2 (last pilots in the class). Ryan flew first and put in a good flight for being sick (car sick from some of the back winding roads we got lost on). I told him we should save time and leave the plane running and I will put the plane in place for take-off after he lands. So I got it, put it where it looked good to take-off from and swapped roles with Ryan. Since we had flown more than 2 patterns back home we figured it wouldn’t be a big deal. Low rates and off I went. Well during the Double Immelmann (3rd from last maneuver) hiccup, cough, hiccup… oh no. So my turnarounds became tighter, Cuban was a little smaller than I wanted and I started to climb for my spin… the whole time listening to the motor cough, sputter and eventually die. I couldn’t make it to center, but I was high enough to get in the 3-turn spin, exit, turn downwind and get it back around to landing in front of us. Not the first impression we were trying to make at our first SPA contest. Now that we had flown and settled down it was time to enjoy the contest.

I haven’t had this much fun and relaxed during a contest in so many years. (I’ll let Ryan chime in on his feelings) There was NO pressure, everyone was talking and socializing with everyone and EVERYONE was having fun. THIS is how I remember pattern… There were 36 pilots that showed (another few that pre-registered but couldn’t make it). We had 21 at our AMA District Championships a few weeks ago. It was great to see Ron Chidgey, Ed Hartly, Bruce Underwood, Bill Rutledge and Ed Lyerly again, and seeing some of the guys that flew at Tangerine in the BPA contest last year. Also getting to meet so many new guys (and gals) over the weekend and talk old school pattern. Looking at all the different planes at the contest brought back a few memories from way back when. I do have more memories of BPA type planes, but Tiger Tails, Dirty Birdies, Curare and our ‘amazing’ Kaos…lol, still brought some back, even if not stock. I was asked to be a judge in the Fly-Off (I think year end points championship, sorry), which I jumped at. I hadn’t had time to watch anyone fly to this point as I hadn’t shut my mouth long enough to open my eyes (sorry if I talked anyone’s ear off). Some of these planes can flat out move. I thought you needed a gear up and piped 61 to really move like this, but I was proved otherwise. But don’t get my wrong, I still enjoy a gear-up ;). After judging, John Baxter informed Ryan and I that we wouldn’t have to fly back-to-back like we did… thanks John.

We did have a few rain delays but thankfully they were short and we still got 3 rounds in on Saturday. On round 3, Ryan was flying and I told him ‘I think the blue on the bottom is coming off on one side.’ He said, it’s flying great so I’m gonna keep flying. He finished the flight (really good too) and sure enough, my blue checker on the bottom had lifted and wrapped itself up in the servo. Seeing as I was only 1 pilot back I was gonna skip the round. Well Rich Ernst offered the use of his Deception. Who am I to pass up a flight on a Deception… A quick check of the rates, some tips from Rich on how it flies and off I went. I got through the flight with some trim tips for Rich (Down-thrust Rich!) and enjoyed the smoothest rolls I had done all weekend. Ryan and I called it a night and grabbed some dinner and back to the hotel by 7.

Sunday came and the sun was out. Got there with no troubles and flew our round with the Kaos (taped the blue back on) and enjoyed the blue skies. It was a perfect day for the last round of the Masters. We were joined by the local Sheriffs firing some guns (and what sounded like a canon) but it only added to the atmosphere. A vote was held for a 5th round, but only had 8 ‘fors’ so John called the contest after 4. John had asked me earlier if I would put on a little demo flight while they figured all the final scores so I figured why not, lets see what this turd can do. Wow… it’s fun to let loose with a plane again and the nice light turd even hovered. The awards were given (didn’t get pics, sorry) and good-byes said.

I would like to thank everyone for making my first SPA experience a blast! Thank you all for the relaxing, fun weekend.

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

some shots around...

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

scores...

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Jason, You were the icing for the cake at our contest. We enjoyed having you and hope you can attend more SPA events next year. I'm just glad you don't fly Novice with me!

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

a couple more plane pics...

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Great write-up.

I'm glad you and Ryan had the chance to attend this contest in particular because it demonstrates so well what SPA is all about. Did you notice the "chirps" from the audience before Scott flew, (right after you), that "Jason left some openings for ya..." ;) Not really. The word was circulated during Scott's flight that everyone would cheer for him like it was the "Supebowl" or something when he landed...and on cue 60-70 people burst into applause, screaming and yelling etc. He didn't outfly you..but for a mfew seconds he FELT like he might have...based on the crowd's reaction....that is what SPA is about.

We are serious about competing, but in the end, it's all about everyone coming away with the best memories possible. The trophies are just "icing on the cake"

I've really enjoyed meeting both of you and corresponding back and forth with Ryan since the first BPA meet. Delighted to see you both attending an SPA event first hand, and hope to see you next season.

Duane

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Jason, what a great treat having you and Ryan come to the last SPA meet of the year, Thank you, and hope to see you again. I gotta tell ya, I've never seen a Kaos do what you did with it after the contest was over with your Demo. very cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards, Pete SPA L20

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

I'm not sure there is much more I can add here...fantastic experience, great people and a really well run contest. For all those who haven't tried SPA, they aren't kidding, they are having the time of their lives! Thank you to John Baxter and all the SPA fliers (and spouses!) who made us feel welcome...look for me next season for sure.

Ryan

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

OK, I put in the dadgum downthrust!!!

Now, if I can figure out why it decided to start blowing glow plugs I might get a full flight in.

Rich

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Tuesday Oct. 13, 2009.......We in SPA thoroughly enjoyed you guys participating in the
hugely successful MASTERS contest this past weekend in Hotlanta. Any info on the
SPA can be had on the website:
www.seniorpattern.com
Thanks much for the good exposure on this venue. Best wishes to all.

Gratefully,
Bruce Underwood SPA L15 Pres.
Guntersville, Al
[email protected]

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

took some of the blue out of the photo>>>>

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Great show Jason and Ryan. I wish I could have been there.
Thanks again for participating in SPA.

Orlando

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Thanks for joining us. You have discovered our secret! Someone once said: "Everything old is new again !"

SPA is:

1. No tense turnaround....take your time and get setup, do a maneuver, take you time and set up.............that's what's vintage.
2. No $3K+ airframes. Cheap engines and planes. Do it with your thumbs not dollars.
3. Multi-tiered classes. ....But room for all ages and all skills.
4. We compete like heck but we're having fun with our friends once or twice a month. Come once and you're adopted, come twice and you're family.

Thanks for the halftime show.

Dan

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Hi Jason,
It was great seeing you at the SPA nationals. My thanks also to Ryan for inducing you come ..... and for his participation.
I entered my 1st SPA contest about this time last year ..... and what you said about the "no pressure .... easygoing .... fun" atmosphere is exactly what I found.
I was made to feel welcome right away, even though my electric power system made me a bit of an "oddball".
After a full year of competing regularly, I've made lots of new friends and am trying to extend the same hospitality to SPA newcomers that was extended to me.
I know you have a very busy schedule competing in F3A, and making all those appearances that Futaba and your other sponsors expect of you, ...but....please.... treat yourself
to another SPA weekend whenever you get get a chance. It will be a treat for us as well.
Thanks again for the "demo" flight with the Kaos ..... I would not have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes.
Ed

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Ryan - It is good news to me that you will be flying Expert SPA next year. I will be moving up in 2010 to Expert and I am very humbled to be flying with the likes of you, Jerry Black, Jeff Owens, Warren Oliver, Scott Sappington, Chris Gregory, Steve Byrum - Well, the list goes on and on of fine folks that are great pilots. You and the others should hold a meeting thought and decide who will pick my bones at each contest. Me and poor old Daddy Rabbit will be running about the field. LOL
Seriously - I am pleased you had a good time and want to come back.
Mike Robinson, SPA 70
Secretary/Treasurer
The Senior Pattern Association

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Picture deleted




Nice story Cees

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Great story about how fun pattern can be even with a simple setup. Thank you!

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Jeff,


I did delete the picture,

Cees

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

I want to thank both Jason and Ryan for coming to your contest in Atlanta and hope you had as much fun as we did. I hope that you can make more of your SPA contest next year, and Jason that was a GREAT show you put on for us thanks so much for doing it .
John Baxter
CD Masters SPA Contest 2009
SPA 106</p>

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

I, too, was impressed by the flying of a number of SPA pilots at the recent Masters in Hot'Lanta, including Jason and Ryan, of course. It gives me smething to aim for. Here is a picture of Jason flying Rich's Deception, with Ryan calling...

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Now, here is a picture of Rich (on the left) and Jeff (right) WATCHING Jason flying Rich's Deception. Rich is thinking, "I didn't know my Deception could do THAT!!!" [8D]

RE: Kaos and the SPA Masters
 

Taurus Flyer

Always nice to know where one stands! I guess you can kind of look at me as Jason's "staff assistant". http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...ades_smile.gif

I'll get around to learning to fly model airplanes someday myself...

Thx.


To all the others...thanks for the kind words and hospitality.


Ryan