JETS OVER KENTUCKY 2021
By Jim Hiller | jetmodeler@earthlink.net
JETS OVER KENTUCKY WAS back after missing 2020, and what a comeback! The event moved approximately 20 miles south to a new venue, the Taylor County Airport, in Campbellsville, Kentucky. It provided a challenge with a different layout. This first year at the new site had a difficult beginning, with daily rain showers that complicated the organization and operation of the event, but many people stepped up and made things happen and we were all able to enjoy it.
There were more than 200 registered pilots, along with a large contingent of suppliers that were anxious to show off their latest product developments. This large group of people and vendors resulted in a tent line that extended for more than a quarter of a mile—you had to wear your best walking shoes to check out this gathering of modeling mania.
The tents were located along the length of the taxiway, and trailer parking was limited to half the width of the taxiway. Vehicles and model aircraft had to share the remaining half, which was slightly cumbersome, but with patience and care, it worked out okay.
The flying was plentiful because the airport was closed to full-scale operations during the RC model flying. It was stressless, except for an occasional full-scale aircraft that failed to read the Notice to Airmen, but with an event of this size, pilots could see that they had wandered into an air show before approaching the runway. This change to a closed airport was made at the request of the FAA, which was different than in the past, but it worked out well.
On to the good stuff. There were many new products, new airplanes, new jet engines, and radio equipment that were simply mind-blowing. Nearly every company that offers jet model supplies was there. It was a great shopping opportunity.
The list of sponsors was a who’s who of jet modeling, and they were there to show off their latest under the tents and in the air. I might say that the flying was done by some of the best pilots who showed us the limits of modern jet flying. We are blessed to fly at a time with so many quality products to build our dream machines.
Event Highlights
Andrew Geitz of CARF-Models had the company’s new MiG-17 at the event. It’s a wonderfully detailed scale model. The prototype was schemed after fellow jet modeler Bill Culberson’s full-scale air show MiG-17. Bill was so excited about the introduction of the CARF-Models jet that he flew into the event in his immaculate full-scale MiG-17. It was the ultimate scale documentation when seeing the RC model adjacent to the full-scale aircraft. You can truly appreciate the extreme effort that Andreas and CARF-Models put into duplicating it in great detail.
The MiG-17 model is quite large at 1:3.7 scale, resulting in a healthy 104-inch wingspan. It’s a large MiG. The estimated empty weight of this model is approximately 55 pounds, and thanks to our Large Turbine Model Aircraft program, it can be flown in the US.
The complete package includes the landing gear, which is quite complex with the angles that are required to properly fit it up into the wheel wells. MiG features a way of building unique landing gear
systems. If you get a chance, check out the model on the CARF-Models website, listed in “Sources.”
Bill not only flew in with his MiG-17, but he also put on a show by flying it. This was no small feat because the runway was rather short, so he finished each flight with an awesome display of airmanship with a short field approach and landing. As a fellow pilot, I can say that Bill is the man. You can check out his MiG-17 at Fighter Jets, Inc. and see where he is performing.
Now for the opposite end of the expanse in the jet modeling world. The new Ranger is the latest model from Boomerang RC Jets. This ARF has a fiberglass fuselage with a wood wing. It is a nice size for convenient, everyday flying. The fuselage length is 71 inches, with a 73-inch wingspan. It’s perfect for an 85-newton turbine. The standard package includes the airframe, electric landing gear package with wheels and brakes, thrust tube, and fuel tank—not bad for an advertised price of $1,999.
The Boomerang display area included kits of many of the company’s popular twin-boom sport jets for viewing, so the Ranger, with its conventional fuselage, stood out in the booth. Larry Roper flew his Ranger nearly every day and had a blast with it, sharing flight experiences with RC pilots. He was not afraid to show off the new development.
The big news from Boomerang RC Jets was that this was Larry’s last project as owner of the company. HeliDirect has acquired the Boomerang line of aircraft. This new, experienced ownership will keep this great line of jets supplied for years to come. Check out either the HeliDirect or Boomerang RC Jets websites for full details.
Jets Over Kentucky was also a great show at which to check out the latest in radio equipment. PowerBox-Systems Americas and JR Propo/DeeForce were on-site, along with AeroPanda, which introduced the addition of the Booma RC Advanced Radio line of electronics to its current line of products, including JETI radios.
Horizon Hobby had Ali Machinchy on-site to answer any Spektrum questions. Dreamworks Model Products also brought a big trailer of its extensive product line, where you could find nearly all of the company’s neat products to add to your latest jets. The shopping list grows when so many quality suppliers are on-site at one time.
The PowerBox-Systems products continue to develop, with the Pioneer 14-channel receiver that has many features packed into it. It is a non-voltage-regulated receiver but offers options such as an iGyro satellite that simply plugs in to add the latest high-speed gyro functions, with many programmable features to match the setup to your needs. The Pioneer is now configurable to Spektrum radios with the addition of an available SRXL2 adapter lead. It’s an affordable, high-end receiver for our high servo amp-load installations. It is not only a wonderful product for jets but for all large-scale RC models.
Jets Over Kentucky 2021 was a success, albeit with a few growing pains for a first-year location, under admittedly less-than-ideal weather conditions, but all who were involved have committed to stepping up the game to improve the site for future events.
The Taylor County Airport staff and airport board now know that RC model events such as this are seriously large gatherings and they have committed to the event director, Lewis Patton, and to the attendees, to make improvements for Jets Over Kentucky 2022 to be even better.
SOURCES:
Jet Pilots Organization (JPO)
www.jetpilots.org
AeroPanda
(321) 312-0723
www.aeropanda.com
Boomerang RC Jets
(765) 744-3118
www.boomerangrcjets.com
HeliDirect
(877) 439-4354
www.helidirect.com
CARF-Models
info@carf-models.com
www.carf-models.com
Fighter Jets, Inc.
(214) 676-0233
www.fighterjets.com
PowerBox-Systems Americas
(904) 330-0145
www.powerbox-americas.com
