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The 14th
Annual Florida International Jet Rally produced a total registration of 76 top R/C Jet
Pilots from the US as well as many international participants all having another
great year in Lake Wales at
"The Pilots Jet Rally". In
spite of a late season hurricane which looked to present a significant problem
for this great event, many pilots shunned the forecast and headed to Lake Wales
to find a new airport set-up area and four wonderful days of fun and flying.
Due to some last minute airport construction we were
forced to move to another part of the airport, and as things turned out it was a
very good move. The sun angles are not as good as the previous space
allotted us, however the footprint on the ground is superior with a much
improved flight line, spectator, vendor and parking areas. A wider runway
isn't too bad a thing either. Thanks to all the folks in Lake Wales at the
airport and city hall which worked to make this a seamless move.
With an additional hour of daylight the twilight shows
tapered off a bit this year, however lights are still a big item. Several
pilots just seem to enjoy the fading evening light.
There were
only a few mishaps this year, but with the large number of flights over
four days, most everything came off without a hitch. Only one real crash
that I can remember, and that was one of our good friends hitting one of two 12
foot tall palm trees 100 yards from the runway at max speed. The tree did
survive. Seems like a more and more pilots are having so much fun they are
running out of fuel. This attributed to several "dead sticks", but with
very little if any damage. There were also the usual characters who
couldn't seem to find their way to the 125 foot wide runway?!?!
A lot more ARF's and electrics
showed up this year, and the quality for the most part has become really
excellent. The ARF craze continues to grow, and the performance of the
electrics is simply amazing. True craftsmanship never will go out of
style, so we all hope that
everyone won't quit building!! Once again all of the major engine manufactures were on
site to show their wares, answer questions and offer service.
The 2.4 craze is filtering into the jet world as the
technology continues to improve. This is easily recognized in the
transmitter impound. We guessed that about 40% - 50% of our participants
this year were using the 2.4 technology. This of course has a wonderful
side effect of making our impound guys Arnold Schmidt and Kurt Kruth pretty
happy. And, a big thanks again to them for doing another great job.
The City of
Lake Wales, Florida Skydiving
Center, The Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and Polk County Sports
marketing make a tremendous effort to support the FIJR each year. Many local
business help out as they recognize the tremendous benefits the FIJR brings to
the Lake Wales area.
BVM, FTE-
ZAP, Futaba and JR have been our major model industry sponsors for many years.
Last year AMT, USA became part of the team and in 2007 Jet Central has come
aboard as a major sponsor. Without their participation the FIJR would not be the same. They really
make a difference. A big THANK YOU to each of them. This year our
Supporting Sponsors
(listed below) helped to make many things we all take for grated happen again.
Their contributions helped off set the continuing increases in cost associated
with this great event. Their support helped to pay for the overnight
storage tent and security this year. There were many manufactures, and
onsite vendors who contributed product, and needless to say, these donations are
always appreciated.
Additionally, the Jet Pilots Organization elected to
throw their support behind the FIJR which helped host the pilots awards
presentation, and dinner Saturday evening right after we competed flying.
That was a wonderful party which was fully catered (the food was great!!!), and
we are certainly happy to have that back as part of program.
We have advertised
uninterrupted flying for fourteen years, and this year was another example of why this is
"The Pilots Jet Rally". No BS, No
Politics, No Soapbox - just FLY!!!! The whole week was great, and there
were very few problems. Our vendors had plenty of visitors,
business seemed to be brisk and everyone enjoyed themselves.
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