Radio Control: Jets
THIS ISSUE OF MODEL AVIATION is dedicated to beginners in each phase of the flying hobby. For those of you who are interested in ducted fans, I'll refer you to the "RC Jets" column in the October 1994 issue of MA. AMA Jet Meet: Several people have asked me about the best way to get into turbines. My initial response has usually been to recommend shopping at one of the big static shows, such as the Weak Signals' R/C Expo at Toledo. After you compare turbines and talk to the suppliers, you will have some idea of what you want and where to start.
Radio Control: Jets
THE FIRST US MEET SPECIFICALLY FOR gas turbine-powered jets will be held June 7-9, 1996; The Jet Pilot's Organization (JPO) will host the event at the National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana. JPO and the AMA jet Special Interest Group will support and staff the weekend event. The field will be open for informal flying, setup, and checkouts on Friday, June 7. The goal of this meet is to introduce turbine-powered flying, demonstrate safe procedures, and provide everyone an opportunity to observe, shop and compare, and learn.
Radio Control: Jets
FAI JET SCALE: This column is directed toward jet activities; others report on Scale modeling. However, two recent activities combined jets and Scale. First was the international meet for the new provisional F4J division of FAI: Jet Scale. This competition brought contestants from around the world, and the United States was well represented. The United States won first place in team standings. In addition, the overall individual first-place award was won by Garland Hamilton, who flew a P-80 modified from a BVM kit. The best score in Static Scale was won by Jerry Caudle with his P-80. This model has been widely published for its amazingly scale metal finish. The US representatives placed well:
Radio Control: Jets
FAI Jet Scale: Jets have competed on equal footing with other models in AMA Scale competition; in recent years, a number of winners in major events have been from the ranks of jet modelers. (For example, see the Top Gun report in the September 1995 issue of Model Aviation). In Europe, FAI Scale is the most common competition event. Although jet modelers have won the event, they consider themselves to be at a disadvantage in rules and judging. Also, for jet modelers to be recognized as special interest groups by AMA's European counterparts, a separate FAI event for jets was needed.
Radio Control: Jets
GAS TURBINES CONTINUE to be the hot topic in the model jet community. While the major manufacturers (mentioned in prior reviews) continue developments and gear-up for production, other activities also proceed. The Academy of Model Aeronautics' gas turbine committee has initiated its own flight-test program. I am fortunate to be part of this activity. Our first test aircraft has now flown successfully. The model, Hot Flash, was built and is piloted by Terry Nitsch. The initial flight tests were conducted at a private full-scale airport. The early test experiences unfolded as follows:
