Turbine America
THE SKIES OVER INDIANA filled with the sound of jets as Turbine America returned to Muncie June 13-15. The skies also remained clear of rain, providing ideal flying weather, which resulted in full use of facility parking on grass fields (most of which were gravel-covered by the time of the AMA Nationals in July). Turbine America was again held by the Jet Pilot's Organization (JPO) with the intent of informal fun flying for all and a showcase for our manufacturers. An earlier decision to require JPO membership (which proved unpopular and counterproductive) had been overturned. The resulting turnout was successful, considering that the meet occurred concurrently with one in Belleville, Canada. Unfortunately, this was the only time which the National Flying Site was available and the schedule conflict was unavoidable. Fliers and spectators streamed in all weekend, and by Saturday an estimated 56 aircraft and 44 pilots were actively engaged.
Radio Control: Jets
1997 Scale Nats: Even though Scale competition is usually reported elsewhere in this magazine, it's still of interest to us jet modelers. Jets compete on an even playing field with other types of models in Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Scale, and it's interesting to see the results. At this year's Scale Nats, jets competed in Expert Scale. Greg Hahn was the winner, flying a magnificent B-25, and Garland Hamilton and Terry Nitsch scored strong second and third places respectively. Their competition was close, and was not decided until the final flying round.
Radio Control: Jets
JET FLYING reaches new heights in late summer and fall. Two outstanding jet meets in the Midwest are famous for level of activity, quality of participation, and new product introductions: Heart of Ohio in late August and Superman in early October. Rather than review the meets, I'll discuss the new products shown at them, and my next report will present some of the individual entries. RA Microjet: Turbomin USA in Florida has been renamed RA Microjet or RAM. The company will still distribute Turbomin engines, and is introducing a new line of turbine engines produced in the US.
Radio Control: Jets
LATE SUMMER and fall bring a frenzy of jet meets and activity. Wherever you live, there is probably something to see in your area. If you didn't go to any events this year, you missed tremendous excitement. Many new aircraft and engines are showing up, and the quality of finishing and flying is continually improving. Scale Masters was held in Columbus, Ohio this year, allowing me to attend, at least briefly. The Scale events will be reported on next month, so I'll just comment about jet participation. The winner in Expert Scale was Terry Nitsch, and third was Tom Cook; Terry flew his Minuteman P-80 and Tom flew his T-33. Other jet pilots in the top 10 were Jeff Foley (T-33), Dave Ribbe (MiG-15), and Shailesh Patel (F-4). In Team Scale, Rei Gonzalez and Albert Araujo placed second with their RAM (RA Microjets)-powered Mirage 2000.
Heart of Ohio Jet Meet
Darby Dan Airport was the venue for this premier Midwestern jet meet. Perhaps the premier jet meet in the Midwest is the Heart of Ohio Jet Scramble, held August 21-23, 1998 at Columbus, Ohio. Some events, such as the winter Florida meets and Superman, are more highly attended and are outstanding in their own right; however, one of Heart of Ohio's key attractions is the more moderate size. The emphasis in this contest is on flying; room on the flightline allows participants to do as much as they desire and can endure.
