Florida jets

Model Airplane News, Jul 2003 by Smith, Jerry

Sponsored by Model Airplane News and Zap

World-class speedsters tear up the southern skies

Every year, jet enthusiasts from across the country gather at Flagler County Airport near Bunnell, FL, for Florida Jets-one of the biggest and best jet events around-and 2003 was no exception. Hosted by the Flagler County Rams, this four-day, high-speed extravaganza featured 197 registered pilots who completed more than 400 heart-stopping flights. The site itself is ideal; the centerpiece is a 3,500x100-foot paved runway that's open on both ends and provides pilots with more than enough room to drag 'em in.

Friday was the best day for the pilots and spectators. Thanks to beautiful weather and temperatures in the high 70s, the skies were full all day long. In the afternoon, the models were lined up on the runway and entered in the competition. The judges decided which entrants would receive the Special Achievement Sponsorship Awards, and after the judging, the spectators were allowed to view and photograph the models.

Unfortunately, a storm front moved in on Saturday, and the organizers were ordered by airport authorities to shut down at 11 a.m. The entire day wasn't wasted, however; the awards were presented at a banquet that evening, and 148 people turned out to congratulate the recipients.

Despite somewhat windy conditions, flying resumed on Sunday, and Florida Jets 2003 ended on a high note.

Among the most popular models participating this year were planes from BVM, RAm and Jet Cat. Scale and sport models took part-many with clean lines and fancy paint jobs-and all looked great. Built by Henry Nugent, a full-time model builder, and owned by Sung Kim, one of the coolest models was a 12-foot-wingspan Cessna A378 Dragon Fly that weighed in at 52 pounds! Powered by two Jet Cat P-160 turbine engines, the A37B took home awards for Best Military (post-1960) and Critics' Choice.

A major highlight of this year's event was the demo flight by four-time Tournament of Champions winner Quique Somenzini. The precision maneuvers he executed were simply outstanding. Those who have never seen Quique fly have missed quite a treat. He flies a 3 7.5-percent-scale Yak 54. Built by Wayne Ulery, the 120-inch-wingspan Yak features JR radio gear throughout and is powered by a 3W QS 1.50 with 3W exhaust canisters to damp the noise.

The other demo performer was Jason Somes, who flew his turbine-powered helicopter-one of two at the event. Turbine-powered helicopters are fairly new to the scene but are pretty cool, nonetheless, and they're sure to become increasingly popular in the coming years.

A number of manufacturers pitched tents to show off their wares. Among them were PCM Models, Bob Violett Models, Turbo Jet Technologies, Frank Tiano Enterprises, Pro Mark Graphics, AMT USA, Aviation Design and SimJet; all are very active in the model airplane and turbine markets. Pilots and spectators appreciated the chance to see the latest and greatest products firsthand.

Many thanks to Frank Tiano, founder of Florida Jets and tireless promoter of the jet model industry, contest director Mike Bubricky, announcer Sam Wright, members of the Plagier County Rams and all the participating pilots. You all contributed to the rousing success of this year's event. Florida Jets 2003 represents another milestone in an event that has become synonymous with the term "world class." Of course, it will all happen again next year, and if you haven't yet had the pleasure of attending, I highly recommend the trip.