The 2008 MASTERS is in the "record books" as one of the best ever. Steve Byrum, CD and the host club Cullman Aeromodellers did their traditional host chores "masterfully".

34 of the dedicated SPA Precision Pattern Pilots fellowshipped, flew and totally enjoyed the week-end hosted by Cullman Aeromodellers and Pyramid Hobbies at "much improved" Robershaw field.

What a NOVICE class....16 of them flying far better than at the beginning of this great season. It is a tradition, it seems, the flying skills are "peaked" at the annual MASTERS contest, perhaps, a result of a seaons' worth of practice and performance "under the judges gun".

An even dozen (12) SPORTSMEN contested, many performing with the skills of experts, according to many comments from contestants who judged them.

A quartet of the "Senior Guys" and a pair of the Experts served as the "standard- bearers" setting the pace for the aforementioned classes.

Examples of the closeness of the competition would be the fact that winners of the Fly-Off championships were sometimes NOT the same as the regular contest winners. Evidence, that a field of 5 judges, complete silence and attention from the crowd oftentimes has an effect on the pilots performance. IE: In Expert class Jerry Black outpointed Jamie Strong 360 to 344 winning the "Fly-Off". However in the regular contest it was Strong outpointing Black 2000 to 1996 normalized points to win. In Senior Expert, Ray Craig won the Memorial Trophy scoring 948 to Mickey Walkers' 929 in the "fly-off" but Walker bested Craig in the regular contest 1768 to 816. Ample evidence of the "closeness" of competition.

Jeff Owens and Kevin Clark "coasted" to victories in the "fly-off" as in the normal contest and the Points Championships in SPORTSMAN and NOVICE classes. Notice the closeness of the scoring from below these guys down. Loads of good flying in these classes.

The meeting room at the Branding Iron restaurant was packed Saturday night for the annual Masters membership business meeting. Issues discussed were "seek a method to see that an accomplished flyer in another venue, such as AMA, IMAC or whatever, is directed to an SPA class equal to his expertise". This issue introduced by Dan Dougherty. Steve Byrum said "we need experts and senior experts and the new patterns for the coming 2009-10 cycle should be the solution to our top-heaviness in the lower classes, because the patterns are much easier". Dave Phillips said "we need later model designs than up to
1975 to be approved". Mike Miller encouraged CSP Jamie to make the coming contest schedule early so a vacation or work schedule may be planned. Dan Dougherty asked about the possibility of a Chattanooga, TN contest in the near future to which Mike Robinson, a Chattanooga member replied "a Cleveland, TN contest is a possibility, I'll check into it".

Money drawings were held at the banquet and the Pre-Registration $100 went to Jim Slocum of PCMA while Jerry Black of Kingsport, TN won the $100 "gas- money". He promised to put it toward the gas in Rhea Starnes' van as the pair made the trip down in it.

Raffle winners Sunday included: Charlie Johns....................Ace Charger Karl Gerth.......ARF Intruder kit. Richard Witt............Old Skool ARC airplane. John Baxter.....Sweat shirt. Bruce Underwood.......Frequency checker. Don Eiler.....Pyramid Hobbies Foam Caddy. Julio Arrieta...Spektrum Receiver. Jeff Owens....T-Shirt. Charlie Johns.....T-Shirt. Dan Dougherty...T Shirt. Jackie and Lavell Thrasher (concession volunteers) were given thanks and T-shirt.

Special thanks to Phil the scoreman and runner, Marilyn Lutzsky, the club sec/Treas, Sid Austin, club Pres....and others was voiced by CD Steve at the awards presentation.

During the "pilot's briefing", National Anthem and invocation Saturday morning, a plea was issued to the "Chief" for a good contest and nice weather, he answered that plea nicely. A stiff Westerly wind (from behind the pilot) tested the vision of the good judges and the skill of the good pilots on Saturday...but Sunday changed to just a light Southerly breeze for the final round and awards. It just could NOT have been better. What a climax for a hugely successful year. Sec/Tres Mike said
29 dues renewals and one new application were taken on the site.

All officers and chairpeople were asked to speak to the gathering at the awards presentation and did. What a great team has directed SPA activities this season and prospects for FINE in O-NINE!

We are so grateful to Steve and Cullman Aeromodellers for a tremendous week-end that will leave delightful memories that may be relived for years to come.

SPA PIO
Bruce Underwood