2005 Florida International Jet
Rally
November 3 -6, 2005
Lake Wales Airport - Lake Wales, Florida
The 12th Annual Florida International Jet Rally was a tremendous success by just about every measure. Over 100 pilots were registered most of which flew, and flew a lot. With near perfect weather for four days, the sky was full from before sun-up until after sunset every day. Those twilight shows are becoming better each year. I have never seen anything quilt like it. Our decision to make this a full four day event seemed to be justified as over 62 pilots were checked in on Thursday alone. We’ll do everything we can to enhance the available flying time again next year.
There were a few mishaps, but with nearly 1000 flights over four days, everything else was nearly perfect. More and more ARF types seem to be popping up with better and better quality. All the major engine manufactures were on site to show their wares, answer questions and offer service. It looks like “bigger is better” will be the theme for 06. BVM, CARF along with a new ship Todd Witcoff was flying are all big. Maybe the spotters will be able to see this new breed of large models. There are a lot of really cool things coming.
The FIJR could not take place without the efforts of a lot of folks on site, and behind the scenes. John Banner really helped out a lot this year taking a big load off of me during the event. There were also several local club members who pitch in every year, and John’s girlfriend Elissa helped with raffle ticket sales. Kurt Kruth and Arnold Schmidt on the Transmitter Impound did another super job!! Scott Smith, Dale Anderson, Ian Clark and Alan Sale came over to spend a day, enjoy the action and offer support. Also, a special thanks to Larry Hewitt who comes all the way from Houston each year to assist during the event.
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 local area.
BVM, FTE- ZAP, Futaba and JR have been our major model industry sponsors for many years and 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 we added Supporting Sponsors: Area 5X, Eagle Tree Systems, Electric Jet Factory, Great Northern Models and Modelbau, USA. Their contributions helped off set substantial one time cost incurred due to hurricane damage from 04. They helped pay for the overnight storage tent, and security this year. There were many manufactures and onsite vendors who contributed product for pilot give-a-ways and raffle items. These donations are always appreciated, and even more so by the pilots who receive them.
Four perfect days of weather, and a gentle breeze made for non-stop flying. We advertise uninterrupted flying, and this year was another example of why this is "The Pilots Jet Rally". No BS, No Politics, No Soapbox - just FLY!!!! The whole weekend was great, and there was little in the way of problems. Our vendors had plenty of visitors, and business seemed to be brisk.
Look for us again November 2 - 5, 2006.
|
The following Major Sponsors help make this event the success that it is each year: Bob Violet Models
|
Thanks
to the following AMT |
This year we
accepted Area 5X
|
|||
|
|
|||||
|
2005 Awards
As in every case there were many deserving aircraft, however we only have so many awards. We feel we reward the best, and make every effort to do so. A special thanks goes out to FTE and ZAP for sponsoring all the awards again this year. |
Additional Contributions from the following were greatly appreciated by all who participated. Airtronics |
Manufacturer Special Recognition:
|
How about some pictures::::
Courtesy of: RCU Contributors, John Banner, and many others.
Thanks Guys !!!
Tony Greco services his EuroSport ready while Air Force One is about ready to go.
Tom Telesca making lots of smoke with his BVM BobCat in the following pictures.
Another day at the beach!!! FIJR weather is great for
just about anything.
Nick Smith's Kramer built KingCat.
This is a really beautiful ship.
Note the flag detail on the second picture.
Jerry Keller's "One-Off" F-104.
Really terrific work, and it can be yours as Jerry has decided to sell the
exceptional ship.
Modellbau, USA was well represented at this years FIJR.
Tom Telesca and Dan Hemming trying to
decide who should fly next.
Dan won the JPO Top Gun Award with about fifty flights over four days.
