RADIO CONTROL JETS
Delmar Ellis, 8877 Meadowview Drive, West Chester, OH 45069
SCALE MiG-15
Dennis Buehre and Les Burfiend Jr. brought a scratch-built MiG-15 to Superman '97. It was finished, including the scale paint scheme, although it did not fly. It is 1/5-scale, very accurately modeled, and weighed 17 pounds. This included retracts, a RamTec fan, and a K&B .100 engine with a Century Jet pipe.
A few weeks later I was privileged to witness the maiden flight at a full-scale airport in central Kentucky. The test pilot was none other than Lewis Patton (this should be a hint of announcements to come).
The test flight was uneventful—everything worked exactly as it should. The aircraft was very stable and smooth. At this giant-scale size, speed was scale—not excessively fast. Landing speed was very slow and looked outstanding.
Century Jet Models has acquired this design and plans to release a full kit shortly, in ducted-fan and turbine versions. The production kits will include significant weight reduction and thereby pick up additional speed for those who have that urge.
Vision-Aire Vantage
Paul Appelbaum brought a most interesting scratch-built business-jet model to Superman '97. It is based on a full-scale prototype aircraft being developed in St. Louis.
The model features a Vio-Jet fan with a BVM .91 engine, JMP T-33 retracts, and BVM brakes. The configuration included fuselage-shoulder dual engine inlets and forward-swept, 100-inch-span wings. Its aspect ratio was unbelievably high—one might think it couldn't even fly—but it was amazing to watch its performance and stability. The wings carried the load easily, even through very high-speed turns.
The aircraft finish was outstanding and it was a delight to watch Paul put it through its paces.
Turbine Regulations Clarification: Pilot-in-Charge
Because of several inquiries from fliers, clarification of the pilot requirements was provided by AMA.
The question asked was: "If a waivered pilot wishes to allow an unwaivered pilot to fly his turbine aircraft while the waivered pilot acts as instructor-in-charge, is this allowed? How about if after takeoff and prior to landing only? How about if using a buddy box?"
The answer was NO to all of the above questions. A pilot must have an applicable AMA waiver before assuming control in any situation. This regulation is intended for everyone's safety and to comply with the AMA Official National Model Aircraft Safety Code.
International Jet Scale Qualifier
Every two years, an international scale competition is held for jet model aircraft. In 1997 it was held in England. Plans are to conduct the 1999 meet in Austria.
In order to select the U.S. team representatives for 1999, a qualification scale meet will be held September 30 and October 1, prior to the Superman Fan Fly at Metropolis, Illinois.
I suggest that you call Jerry Caudle, Event Coordinator, at (618) 524-2440 to verify dates, rules of participation, and to preregister. For example, the qualifier will determine representatives, not aircraft. A chosen pilot may enter the subsequent international competition with a different airplane than the one he flew in the qualifying meet.
All you great scale pilots—here's your chance to combine a super international vacation with a prestigious scale competition. With the advance notice and qualifier meet, there is plenty of time to make your plans.
Turbine Connection
Don Kanak has been busy growing Turbine Connection while managing Yellow Aircraft in the U.S. He recently acquired RC City and is retaining production of its accessories, including cowls, servo mounts, pipe mounts, etc. In addition, he has acquired production kit rights to Air Champs A-4 and F-15 jet models.
All of these are complementary to his dealing Golden West, Sophia, and Turbomin engines at Turbine Connection. He also has become a dealer for AMT engines and, most recently, for RA Microjet engines. Altogether, he is a major contributor to our fast-growing hobby.
RA Microjet Dealers Defined
RAM has announced that its new 13- and 17-pound-thrust engines may be purchased through the following dealers:
- BVM Dealer/Rep/Service Center
- Turbine Connection Dealer
- Century Jet Models Dealer
- Aeroloft Dealer
The engines were placed on AMA's list of included production engines prior to the Superman Fan Fly in October 1997. Perhaps you have already seen one of the engines demonstrated in a BVM Bandit; it is definitely an impressive performance package.
Cincinnati Fan Fly
In recent years the Hawks of Hamilton, Ohio, have sponsored a jet fly in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is always well-organized and well-run but not well-attended—perhaps because of facility limitations at the club field.
This year a major effort is underway to provide an outstanding event at a new facility. It will be held June 27–28. The facility is the full-scale airport at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. The airport will be shut down to full-scale traffic for the weekend. The airport provides an excellent 70 x 3,500-foot paved runway. Facilities, space, and service will be outstanding. Camping and recreational facilities are also offered at the nearby Hueston Woods State Park.
For additional information call Event CD Joe Amato at (513) 742-0767 or E-mail: amato_jj@hcca.ohio.gov.
Jet Fly Announcements
It is very difficult to obtain information on most jet fly events early enough to publish an announcement in this column (three-month lead time). The best way to identify as-yet-unscheduled events for the upcoming year is by reading the JETFEST listing in the JPO's Contrails newsletter. Anyone planning such an event should notify Kent Landefield at (918) 342-5781 to get on this list. Kent works crazy hours but is a most cooperative person. This support function is one of the many services provided by JPO.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
