Update on CL flying in Colorado Springs

Hi gang,
A while back myself and my son Alex posted here about finding some contacts for others who fly CL stunt in the Colorado Springs area.
Paul Walker replied, stating that we should contact Mike Pratt in Pueblo which is only about a 45 min drive from our area. Well let me state that CL stunt is great,with fun models and exciting flying but I believe that by far the greatest asset of this sport is the truly outstanding individuals who participate in it,and Mike is a fine example. We met mike in Pueblo for a day of flying and had a great time. I think Alex and myself learned more in a day about CL than my entire previous experience. I had some engine/tank problems so after flying Mike invited us over to make a new tank for my twister. He also gave Alex a Skyray kit to build.
I must say that in the 2 months that I have been flying the twister I have never been able to get it to run consistently. Mike invited me to Pueblo and he graciously spent most of the day reworking the NVA and motor mounts on the twister. Mike figured the vibration from the motor was causing the run problems so he re-drilled the mounts, added dowels with epoxy and a carbon fiber sheet to mount the engine. Amazing results! I flew the twister last weekend in the Rocky Mt Control line Contest and Mike was right- the engine never ran better.
(BTW Mike placed first in expert with the G-force; truly amazing to watch it fly.)
I met many other great people at the contest (Joe Bellcrank, et al) and it was a great experience.
Thanks Paul, for recommending a great person to us. And thank you Mike for your generosity, willingness to help, and friendship in CL.
Your Flying buddies in the Springs,
Brian and Alex

Brian and gang,
This is great sport filled with great folk. Let me share my experience this past weekend. Received a call from Al Reed saying that he, Gary Lutz, and a older gentlemen by the the name of Randell Lawrence(n his late 70's I believe)will be flying and invited me along. I jumped at the chance. We met at Al's place and talked stunt for over an hour prior to heading to the field.
What a time to listen to the memories these guys shared and the common friedships they had. I was taken back by the excitement Randell showed, especially at the field. At his age, I just hope to be doing what he was doing. As a beginner trying to nail down the Beginner pattern, I received much encouragement and gained a whole lot of learning from each of the guys. What I really appreciate is the fact they took the time to include me. It was banner day.
Incidently, I have had a similiar experience from the Northern Virginia club. Tom McClain unselfishly helped trim my plane and he and others added to my knowlege base. Its a previledge to associated among such people.
Dave

I want you guys to know that Brian and his son are the kind of people that bring hope to the future of our event. They worked together with each other very well and I for one felt that there was improvement with each flight, practise and official.

Mike Pratt was there and it was aparent that he had given them some excellent help and encouragement. Brian has just about perfected Scott Riese's NW Mac's pipe setup with his OS .35fp on a Twister. The plane flew well and had power to spare while still maintaining an alomst constant speed. A real sweet setup.

Just as impressive was the "kid", flying an OS .25 powered Ukey in his first ever contest. He still doesn't have the entire pattern mastered, but it won't be long now. He also gathered up a bigger share of the awards than his dad did. I thought I saw a pretty big smile as well as a gleam in his eye. He's probably figuring out ways to outscore dad in the next contest.

The Denver bunch is a lot of fun. The contest was a lot of fun, and getting to spend time with one of my old midwest flying pals, "Mikey",topped of an otherwise very enjoyable weekend.

Oh, and BTW, We're holding our annual contest in SLC this weekend, you're all invited. Call me, I'm in the PAMPA directory.

John Miller