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The 13th
Annual Florida International Jet Rally brought together 91 of the top R/C Jet
Pilots from the US as well as many international participants to participate in what is often referred to as
"The Pilots Jet Rally". With over 70
pilots checked in and registered on Thursday the action was hot and heavy
leading into the weekend. Some heavy cross winds going into the weekend
didn't dampen the spirits much, as a lot of flying continued. Our British
friends for some reason seemed especially at ease with the not so kind winds.
Many other pilots continued to fly, and enjoy the weekend. Of course the
socializing at the Lake Wales Airport, and in the evenings continued with it's usual
tradition!!!
The twilight shows are becoming better
each year, and with some of the most incredible sunsets ever seen, the twilight flying was
as busy as ever. I have never seen anything quilt like it. We’ll do everything we can to enhance the available flying
time again next year.
There were
only a handful of mishaps this year, but with the large number of flights over
four days most everything came off without a hitch. A lot more ARF's
showed up this year, and the quality for the most part has become really
excellent. The ARF craze is making the award determination a much more
difficult thing to deal with for contest and event promoters. Hopefully
everyone won't quit building!! Once again all the major engine manufactures were on
site to show their wares, answer questions and offer service.
As the the FIJR grows in attendance and popularity we
could not continue without the assistance and support of a lot of individuals,
companies and other organizations. Out front assisting with line control,
impound and general help or behind the scenes it takes a lot to get the job
done. Kurt Kruth and Arnold Schmidt
handled transmitter impound for the umpteenth year with some assistance from
Larry Loucks on Thursday and Friday.
A big part of the the FIJR was having Larry Hewitt who
came from Houston, Texas each year to help out with just about anything we
needed. We lost Larry earlier this year, and he will be missed by everyone
who knew him, and especially his friends. We altered tradition this year,
and dedicated an award in Larry's memory: "The Larry Hewitt Above and
Beyond Award".
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
and we added AMT, USA to that list this year. 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
expanded our
Supporting Sponsors
program (listed below). 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 for pilot give-a-ways and raffle items. These
donations are always appreciated, and even more so by the pilots who receive
them.
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 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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