This month, I have two reports regarding 2013 jet meets. It wasn’t that long ago that when jets were mentioned, we were talking about a reciprocating glow engine turning a fan inside the fuselage of an airplane, but in 1983, a model powered by a small turbine flew in England and 1988 one was flown in the US.
By the mid 1990s, one could buy a turbine for a model. It came with ground-support equipment that was needed to get it running and later shut it down. By 2004, most of the ground-support items were onboard the aircraft. Four or five years later, many jet modelers returned to ducted fans powered with electric motors, made feasible by the energy density available in batteries.
Tom Berry, contest coordinator for Jets Over Whidbey, sent the following report.
“The 23rd annual Jets Over Whidbey took place August 23-25, 2013, at the Navy Outlying Flying Field, in Coupeville, Washington. Twenty-seven pilots from the Western US and Canada brought 38 turbine and ducted-fan airplanes for three days of flying in perfect weather to impress the 600 spectators.
“CD Bill Broderick, assistant CD, Behzad Pakzad, and a large crew of volunteers from the Whidbey Island Radio Control Society kept the event running smoothly. On Saturday evening the event moved to the Navy Chief Petty Officers’ Club in Oak Harbor, where the guests enjoyed a fine dinner. Following dinner, Bill and Behzad presented awards and prizes.
“Plans are already underway for a bigger and better 24th annual Jets Over Whidbey during the last weekend in August 2014. Mark your calendars.”
Associate Vice President Chris Rankin forwarded Ivan Costellanos’ report and pictures.
“After an initial rainout and cancellation, the Fly-a-Ways’ Jet Rally was hosted on October 5, a few miles northwest of Portland, Oregon, on a perfect fall day. Eight registered pilots brought nearly two dozen jet-powered models, prepped, polished, and ready to fly—well, most of them. More than 40 spectators attended, including Fly-a-Ways members and members of nearby clubs.
“From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the sky was filled with the sounds of screaming ducted fans. The Blue Angels were a crowd pleaser as they executed synchronized acrobatics set to music. Aerodynamics and power were on display as the F-100 Super Saber and two Habus shot through the sky at top speeds.
“Chris Benke’s larger-scale jets, including the F-18 Hornet and twin EDF MiG-29, and Dave Hicks’ Typhoon provided some impressive eye candy. Mark Gordon offered cold beverages, grilled hot dogs and burgers.
“Special thanks to Tammy’s Hobbies and Hillsboro Hobby Shop. Prizes were awarded for People’s Choice, Top Speed, and a luck-of-the-draw raffle. The Me-262, flown by Dennis Laughlin, placed first in People’s Choice for its outstanding appearance and flight characteristics, while Fred Irvine’s F-16 was second.
“The F-4 Phantom, flown by Ivan Castellanos, won the high-speed pass clocked at 137 mph, followed by the Me-262 at 100 mph. Fred also took home the final gift certificate from the event raffle.
“After a successful event and much positive feedback, this may very well go down in history as the inaugural Fly-a-Ways Jet Rally and set the stage for many years to come.”
Chris and Ivan included a link to a great video made by a club member. Visit YouTube and search for Flyaways Jet Rally.
