Radio Control Jets
Jim Hiller [email protected]
The face of the sport — a quick "state of the sport" report
Jet modeling is growing. The variety of aircraft types now available has greatly increased the number of modelers stepping into this section of the hobby. High-performance, complex jet models abound, and the introduction of good-flying ARFs opened jet flying to even more modelers.
For the most part, earlier models required paved runways or well-prepared grass fields. Now we have kits and ARFs specifically designed for the field conditions of average flying sites.
From meets to local fields
This growth in jet modeling is changing the scene in many ways. The traditional participant of only five years ago was someone who went to jet meets and flew primarily at those gatherings. Many of us built our own airplanes, painted them, and flew them.
Jet meets are a place to get together, talk with other modelers of similar interests, discuss painting and building techniques, and show off our latest creations. Jet modeling, and ducted-fan modeling, was one of the few areas of RC modeling where we still painted and built complex airplanes. Scale modelers share a similar interest in the art and complexity of aircraft, which is probably why many jet modelers also compete in Scale events.
The ARF kits for jets removed the need to paint your own model, opening the door for more fliers to try turbine-powered models. Initially, these airplanes required paved runways or extremely well-prepared grass fields, and many of their pilots still attended jet meets for camaraderie.
Now we have jet models designed for average grass-field flying. They emphasize excellent low-speed capability and rugged landing gear systems. These models have lower wing loadings—similar to 1/4-scale models—and greater drag to aid in landing and to keep top speeds from reaching structural limits too quickly. Their performance far exceeds most other types of models, yet they work well on many runway surfaces.
Because of these new aircraft, many modelers are flying sport jets at the local level, so the need to attend distant meets is reduced. In my rural club there are two active jet fliers, and within roughly a 50-mile radius we can often gather five or six others to fly on a given weekend. Ten years ago I was the only one in the area; five years ago there was only one other jet modeler. It has been great to see this growth.
Safety, representation, and the role of JPO
This growth means we are changing the face of jet modeling. We fly aircraft governed by strict safety regulations from the AMA in ways not previously envisioned. The original rules were put together by a varied group of ducted-fan modelers as the first turbines entered the market. Turbine safety advisors to the AMA Safety Committee worked to allow this new form of modeling. As experience was gained, the safety rules were updated and increased.
The initial group represented serious sport and competition modelers who attended large jet meets. With the last rules change roughly two years ago, our SIG—the Jet Pilots' Organization (JPO)—stepped up and participated in the rules process. This was a major step forward since JPO represents jet modeling within AMA.
We jet modelers face an unusual dilemma: many AMA elected officials have seldom, if ever, seen a jet model fly or have personal experience with jet modeling. Considering the small percentage of modelers who fly turbines, this is unsurprising. We are changing the face of turbine flying and must keep JPO current by including participation from all pilots who fly turbine-powered models. Jet modeling can—and is—enjoyed at many local club fields, not only at special fields or jet meets. It is important that JPO represents all jet modeling, including the growing fraternity who fly at local fields. This can only be done by joining, supporting, and participating in JPO.
Join and participate to keep jet modeling current for all. Check out the JPO web site at www.jetpilots.org.
JPO resources and community
I use the links on the JPO site as a great stepping-off point to stay current with manufacturers' offerings. The best source for listings of upcoming jet events is under the current-event listings—good for planning this year's jet-event schedule. The ideas page links to shared ideas for building and flying models.
JPO has conducted a risk-management study as an educational tool. A record of flights at jet events has been maintained: successful flights and unsuccessful flights (crashes) are recorded along with the reasons for the crash. This study is meant to help prevent accidents by sharing hard-earned lessons of what not to do.
Another great area on the links page is the members' pages. It's valuable to see what others are doing and to share ideas and flying stories. Mid America Jets is a site run by Roger Shipley, a veteran jet modeler who shares his experiences. The Georgia Jets group and the Mississippi Jets crowd are among the most active sport and competition jet modelers in the country. You can jump to their sites from the JPO links pages.
Membership applications for JPO are available at the organization's web site. The JPO was created to support our jet-modeling activities. We make it happen—so join, participate, and enjoy the sport of jet modeling in all its forms.
JD Enterprises (JDE) and turbine engines
I haven't written much about JD Enterprises (JDE) in a long time, but the company continues building turbine engines and kits. JDE is located in California and is a builder of United States–manufactured turbine engines. The company has been in the turbine market for a long time and was among the pioneers in the kit turbine-engine business. I believe JDE was the first to gain AMA approval for a kit-built turbine engine.
JDE is proud to announce that it is having turbine wheels cast to its own specifications for the JDE 54 turbine engine. The JDE 54 is economically priced and in the 12-pound-thrust range for smaller jet models. The engine is similar in appearance to many of the 54mm turbines on the market, but the turbine wheel, combustion chamber, and other areas are of JDE's own design and manufacture. It is a lightweight engine well suited to models in this power range.
The JDE 54 is available in kit form or as a completely assembled and tested engine for those who prefer a ready-to-run turbine. It is also available with either an air-start option or an electric engine-driven autostart. With autostart, you can start your turbine via transmitter control, which is a truly easy way to fly.
The air-start option will reduce airborne weight, which is great for converted ducted-fan models where weight may be an issue, but it requires manually starting the engine. The airframe will require access to the engine for hookup of ground-support equipment to start the turbine.
Considerations when choosing start systems:
- Air-start: lowers airborne weight, but requires ground-support equipment and manual starting.
- Autostart (electric): adds weight but offers convenience via transmitter-controlled starts.
Weight versus convenience—rather than initial cost—should drive your decision, because cost savings with an air-start can be lost once you include the ground-support equipment needed.
JDE is a full-service jet supplier with kits such as:
- F-104
- Classic F-8 Crusader
- LAVI
and many more. The company carries accessories needed to build, equip, and fly your turbine-model project. Visit the JDE web site at www.jdenterprise.net for full details.
Closing
Now it's time for me to go flying! We have good snow coverage on the ground, the wind is calm, the sun is bright, and my sport jet has snow skis installed. We don't stop flying in the winter; we fly jets year-round.
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
