Radio Control: Jets
JETS WERE WELL represented at the RC Expo at Toledo. Most of our manufacturers were present. A growing number of gas turbine suppliers were also seen. It was a great reunion and shopping spree for all of us jet modelers. Airtronics: Their new J450 turbine engine was highlighted in their electronics display booth. This engine is readily recognized to be very similar to the JPX turbine. A major difference was utilization of JP4 (kerosene) fuel. The fuel is pressurized using nitrogen at 75 psi. The engine is manufactured by Sanwa Electronics and is priced at $5,500. It will be commercially available in June 1995. It produces 11 pounds of thrust. Airtronics, 11 Autry, Irvine CA 92718; Tel.: (714) 830-8769.
Gas Turbines at DeLand-Special Report
Gas Turbines at DeLand-Special Report. For one week in January, jet enthusiasts migrate to DeLand, Florida for Jets Over DeLand, the world's largest jet meet. It has truly become an international event, with nearly a third of this year's 179 entrants from Europe and all over the world. It offers an opportunity to sample all of jet modeling as well as to get back to flying in a most delightful summerlike climate.
Radio Control: Jets
CABIN FEVER: It's that time of year again. It's cold and damp, especially on weekends. Winter is a difficult time to fly, and certainly to maintain any continuity. Does this sound familiar? These winter months are always frustrating. The value of the hobby as a fun-filled interest, the rewards of self-achievement, and the opportunity to share the camaraderie with others comes into vivid focus when it is withheld. This problem is probably shared with all aircraft modelers in the northern regions of the country. It is certainly most intense for jet modelers. We are always on the lookout for "dumb thumbs" with the cost, time commitment, and emotional attachment we all allow ourselves with our jet models. Frozen fingers are a more tangible and intolerable circumstance.
Radio Control: Jets
MIXING JETS WITH OTHER AIRCRAFT: It always amazes me to watch model aircraft with drastically different flight characteristics mixing on the same flight line. Most of the time it works out without incident. One of the less-compatible combinations is helicopters and fixed-wind aircraft. Model helicopters do astounding maneuvers, many of which make the helicopters seem to be stationary-right in the main straightaway. Most fixed-wing pilots do seem to compensate without complaint, and helicopter pilots seem to have incredible instincts for last-minute avoidance. Different kinds of fixed-wing aircraft also show variance in flight characteristics and resulting use of airspace. Pattern models fly in their "box" and the pilot is devastated if he has to interrupt his routine for flight avoidance (and rightfully so).
Radio Control: Jets
GROUND SUPPORT: Don't you forget it! The most important ground support for your flying hobby (jets or otherwise) is the consent and support of your spouse. You may have noticed model flying is a predominantly male avocation. Her understanding and approval of the time, financial commitment, and intense focus required to fly jets borders on veto power. If you have your wife's approval, consider yourself blessed. If she participates openly, you are doubly blessed. I thought I lost my wife's support just as I was making the transition to jets. Our club had invited Terry Nitsch to put on a jet-flying demonstration, and (under pressure) Sandy agreed to attend and witness firsthand this jet thing about which I talked endlessly.
