Heart of Ohio jet scramble

Model Airplane News, Feb 2003 by Body, Matt

The ultimate model aircraft cut loose

Ever since the Heinkel He 178 became the first jet-powered aircraft to take flight, jets have been symbols of technological achievement for entire nations: they are Icons that embody engineering expertise, financial resources and military might. Jets are considered by most folks to be the ultimate machines.

Certainly this holds true in the world of RC, and the 2002 Heart of Ohio jet Scramble was my opportunity to see these ultimate model machines up close and in action. Now in its 12th year, the jet Scramble has become one of the country's premier jet events, and the registration list is a veritable who's who in the jet-modeling world. But what truly sets this event apart is the emphasis that contest director Terry Nitsch and his staff from The Ohio Radio Kontrol Society (TORKS) place on making this three-day extravaganza entertaining for spectators, The level of community support and interaction is as high as I've ever seen at an RC event; all that effort translates into a fun experience for the public and positive exposure for the hobby. The Jet Scramble was an unquestionable success; over the course of the weekend, it drew an estimated 5,000 spectators, and nobody went away disappointed.

As in past years, the jet Scramble was held at Darby Dan Airport just outside of Columbus, OH. This exceptional facility for model aircraft, together with the preparation and organization put forth by the staff, made it a smooth-running event from start to finish; no easy task with 88 registered pilots and more than 200 aircraft, many capable of speeds of 200mph . There was a nice mix of turbine and ducted-fan aircraft, and jets of all sizes and styles-from ultra scale to wacky sport jobs-made it the most diverse ever field for a jet event. The dedicated pit and staging area contained nearly 20 blast-shield-- equipped pit stalls and had access to the runway at both ends. Six pilot stations were available at all times, each with an assigned staffer who served as a spotter. Each spotter maintained constant contact with the others and the pit boss via walkie-talkie, ensuring that all the pilots were kept up to date on conditions and potential hazards.

AIR SUPERIORITY

The Heart of Ohio Jet Scramble is more about demonstration than competition; the focus for the pilots was to stage the best show for the fans and for their fellow modelers. A few awards were given: Glenn Robinson won Best Finish Sport for his BVM Bandit done up in the "aggressor" black paint scheme of the imitation MiGs from the movie "Top Gun." Scott Greenia's Bandit won Best Graphics/Markings. Hardest Landing went to Jerry Conley; his jet flew apart in midair at show center! Larry Kramer collected the Outstanding Flight Sport award for his skill at the sticks with multiple aircraft throughout the weekend. Mitch Weiss earned a well-deserved Best Craftsmanship award for his BVM F-100D. Sam Snyder's beautifully detailed and unique scratch-built de Havilland Swallow easily claimed Best Scale. A special "Cloud Buster" award went to Willie Jackson for flying in inclement weather. A brief but fairly heavy shower on Saturday morning sent most spectators and pilots scurrying for cover, but Willie stayed out there throughout with his Kyosho F-86 and kept the crowd entertained.

As in previous years, Bob Violett showed off several of his company's spectacular scale kits, including a BVM F-100D and a thoroughly re-engineered F-86F Sabre. The Sabre, in particular, dubbed the "Beauteous Butch II," wowed the crowd with a series of super low-and-slow flybys. Other key moments included the debut of Century Jet Models' new Talon T-500 advanced jet trainer. This unique design flew quite well at the hands of noted pilot Lewis Patton, and its combination of easy assembly, sleek looks and all-speed will make it popular in years to come. The Golden West Models Blade also debuted with Jim Hiller at the controls.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The formula that Terry Nitsch and members of TORKS have hit upon for the Heart of Ohio Jet Scramble has certainly proven to be a success over the past 12 years, and it's one that other events would do well to study. From the photos, you can see that the first part involves getting topnotch pilots and builders to attend, bringing with them most advanced and well-crafted models in the world, bar none. The second part isn't as obvious, but I was able to observe close up the dedication and commitment the staff demonstrated in putting on a show that draws in the community and one that everyone enjoys. Spectators who had never before seen a model airplane were drawn in, made to feel welcome and treated to a brilliant exhibition. I've no doubt that most of them will be back, and more than a few just might be pilots themselves before too long. As far as I'm concerned, the Heart of Ohio Jet Scramble is the ultimate venue to see the ultimate modeling machines in their element; you can bet I'll be going back.