Florida Jets
Excellent weather and camaraderie draw jet pilots to the Sunshine State
by David Hart [email protected]
March 5–8, 2014, hosted one of the largest RC jet events in the world. The meet included jet aircraft of all types and sizes and was held at the newly renovated Paradise Field at Lakeland Airport in Lakeland, Florida.
The venue is on the same property but now features a new 52 x 720-foot asphalt runway. There is also a 40-foot grass runway outside the asphalt for those who prefer grass operations. The area provides much more room for vendors and parking. Event promoter Frank Tiano delivered a much-improved facility.
I arrived on Wednesday morning with cameras in hand, ready for a fantastic weekend of weather and flying. The model aircraft included everything from electric-powered ducted fans to turbines, as well as sport jets, civilian jets, and warbirds. Approximately 200 jets and 120 pilots were registered to fly.
Wednesday’s weather was nearly perfect with blue skies, occasional clouds, and temperatures around 70°F. A cold front moved through Thursday, but flying continued that afternoon. Friday was slightly cooler with higher winds. Saturday returned to picture-perfect conditions. Because this was a noncompetitive event, open flying ran from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Notable aircraft and pilots:
- Steve Stricker’s Skymaster 1/7.5-scale F-4 Phantom, powered by a JetCat P180-RX. The model took roughly two years to complete; Steve’s scale detail and realistic flying earned him four awards.
- Pablo Fernandez of Elite Aerosports brought numerous Shockwave sport jets. Their bright, unique paint schemes made them easy to spot, and at least one was airborne nearly all the time.
- Bob Violett Models (BVM) showcased a new plug-and-play 1/6-scale F-16. With a 65.5-inch wingspan and a 96.5-inch length, it’s offered in six paint schemes.
- A big F-100 flown by Ali Machinchy and built by Trond Hammerstad featured a parachute deployment on touchdown, which made for spectacular photos.
- Lucas “Lukey” Martinez flew a 1/6-scale Fly Eagle F/A-18 Super Hornet powered by two Jet Central Rhinos, and a Tomahawk F-5 Talon with two KingTech 140s.
- Turboprop action came from Boli Muentes and Andy Kane flying CARF models with smoke systems. Boli’s 1/4-scale Tucano sported a Brazilian Air Force air-show scheme; Andy flew a 112-inch-wingspan Marchetti SF-260 in Philippine Air Force camouflage. They occasionally formed up for impressive formation flights.
Saturday's Halftime Events
One of the highlights of Florida Jets each year is Saturday’s noon air show. This year’s midday activities were more about spectator fun than aerobatics. Frank Tiano invited pilots to bring small electric airplanes for a balloon-popping event. His staff released 75–100 balloons and registered pilots (the “big kids”) flew electric planes to try to pop the balloons. After a few midair collisions and some popped balloons, it was time for the “small kids.”
The field was cleared of all models except for a giant Telemaster JR Candy Machine (available from Hobby Express) with a 12-foot wingspan. The Telemaster flew over the runway for a special delivery, releasing a few pounds of candy from its belly. Kids waited behind the pilot stations and then ran out to collect candy, which took a while to get them back behind the spectator fence.
Food vendors were on-site all day, and numerous vendors sold accessories and models.
Conclusion
Saturday night’s banquet and auction was one of the event’s most enjoyable parts. During the banquet, 22 awards were presented while guests enjoyed a buffet-style dinner. An auction followed featuring RC-related items including receivers and model kits. A disc jockey provided music for anyone wanting to dance. It was a great opportunity for pilots to meet new people and hang out with friends.
The new asphalt runway was well received by pilots. Further improvements are already underway, including expanding the pit area with 2,000 square feet of added concrete. I anticipate that next year’s Florida Jets will have record attendance.
For updates about scheduled events at the renovated venue and for hundreds of photos, visit Frank Tiano’s website listed below.
SOURCES:
- Frank Tiano Enterprises — www.franktiano.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
