IN THE PAST two years, the district
columns have covered nearly all the
popular aeromodeling activities and
events. However, one type of event will
treat your audio and visual senses to the
very best in air-show entertainment.
Event participation is limited to the
fortunate few who have the finances to
own and maintain this type of aircraft, the
technical skills to build and operate them,
and the flying ability to control model
aircraft at speeds in excess of 150 mph. Of
course, the types of events I am referring
to are Jet Rallies featuring turbinepowered
model aircraft.
In 2006 I had planned to attend the first
New England Jet Rally in Gardner,
Massachusetts, and the Eighth Annual Jet
Rally in Sanford, Maine, but on both dates
I was away on AMA business.
I congratulate Jeff Lynds for producing
the first New England Jet Rally and Bob
D’Angelo who directed the event. The
Wachusett Barnstormers sponsored the
rally.
Check the district Web site’s event
calendar for 2007 Jet events or E-mail Jeff
at [email protected] or Ray LaBonte at
[email protected] for
information on the Maine Jet Rally.
Two of our associate vice presidents
(AVPs), Ed Grossheim and Jim Gilliatt,
attended the Maine Jet Rally September 8-
10, 2006.
Ed submitted the following event report
and Jim supplied the pictures. Additional
pictures are posted in the gallery section of
the district Web site.
“The sun was shining brightly as I
arrived at Sanford Regional Airport for the
Eighth Annual Maine Jet Rally. I met up
with my friend Jim Brown, a jet pilot from
Rockland, Ontario, and together we took in
the sites and sounds of this thrilling event.
“There were 63 registered pilots with
95% flying turbines and the rest ductedfan
models. Participants came from
Canada, New York, Pennsylvania, and all
of New England.
“The host club, The Prop Snappers of
Greater Portland, did an excellent job with
show announcing, good food and drinks,
and raffle prizes.
“CD Ray LaBonte and co-CD Antony
Parchment stayed busy seeing to the needs
of the pilots, organizing the noon show,
and arragning for the evening steak-andlobster
dinner. The event brought roughly
2,000 spectators, some of whom opted to
buy a pit pass that allowed them to walk
among the models and talk with the
owners.
“The afternoon air show featured a 3-D
aerobatic performance by John Glezellis,
an awesome flight of the BVM Ultra-
Bandit by Dave Shulman, and a helicopter
flight routine. Dan McCue performed the
grand finale, flying the full-scale L-39ZA
Albatross and later the full-scale Corsair.
Both aircraft are owned by Bob Davis.
The big black Corsair lumbered
through the air in comparison to the small,
quick jets, but still to the oohs and ahhhs
of the crowd.”
I am looking forward to the first AMA
Executive Council (EC) meeting for 2007.
The meeting will follow the AMA
Convention in Ontario, California, January
12-14.
Before the EC meeting the district vice
presidents will promote and represent the
AMA and have time to enjoy the many
activities and exhibits at the show.
As I am writing this column, the first
winter snow is falling and I am thinking its
time to get the skis on my Cub. If you
haven’t flown off the snow and ice, now is
the time! Join in the fun and keep those
batteries warm.
This full-scale Corsair and the L-39ZA were
part of the afternoon air show. Bob Davis
owns both airplanes.
Dave Schulman, a factory representative for
Bob Violett Models, put on a spectacular
performance with the BVM Ultra Bandit.
The Sanford Regional Airport is the location
for the Annual Maine Jet Rally hosted by the
Propsnappers of Portland.
Dan McCue, a Delta Airlines pilot from
York, Maine, flew this full-scale L-39ZA.
District I AVP, Ray LaBonte, is the CD for
the Maine Jet Rally and the Composite-ARF
factory representative.
Each year this jet meet attracts
approximately 2,000 spectators during the
two-day weekend.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/02
Page Numbers: 160