Jet Rally '85
THE SUMMER SOLSTICE weekend provided the setting for the largest assemblage of ducted-fan-powered model aircraft ever. Ninety-nine registered pilots from 22 states and two Canadian provinces converged on Jet Rally '85 in Ida Grove, IA. This represents an 80% increase over the number of pilots participating in the first Fan Fly held in 1984. Interest in this aspect of aeromodeling is in full afterburner climb. The pilots ranged from novices to veteran jet jockeys with many fan-powered flights in their logbooks. Their common denominator was to share experiences and witness the latest developments in ducted-fan-powered flight. These pilots also witnessed Striking Back, one of the greatest air shows in all of modeling.
I985 NATS: RC Pylon Racing
WE WITNESSED a good turnout. A total of 89 flying entries was recorded for the three Pylon events flown at this Nats. The FAI Pylon (F3D) class experienced the greatest increase from previous Nats, with a total of 26 pilots. By comparison, the 1983 Nats, held at the same location, drew only four fliers. However, it must be noted that 11 entries were foreign, with several using the Nats as a prelude to the First World Championships in FAI Pylon Racing scheduled for the following week. Quarter Midget and Formula I classes drew 26 and 37 entries, respectively. Several Australian and Canadian competitors flew in these events, in addition to single entries from Mexico and Venezuela. These individuals provided a real international flair, and their future participation in the AMA Nats should be encouraged.
RC Pylon Racing: World Championships
Top: Opening ceremonies of the first FAI Pylon Racing (F3D) World Championships were held on a foggy morning at Westover AFB in Chicopee, MA. Left: The smile of victory after the final round when the results were all in. Standing (L-R) are Zdenek Malina, caller, and Bob Wallace, unofficial Czechoslovakian team manager. Kneeling is World Champion Milos Malina, the pilot. Right: Models of the top five finalists were impounded for technical inspection during the last round. Included are models of two Formula I and three Unlimited racers.
