OLD AND NEW AT JOHN’S JET JAM
Photos taken by Paul Goelz and provided by Joe Hass | joehass@gmail.com
JOE HASS (Rochester Hills, Michigan) provided the following write-up.
John Hoover has been an aeromodeling innovator for decades. Being recognized as an AMA Carl & Beth Goldberg Vital People Award winner, as well as his induction into the AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame, are testimonies to his commitment and accomplishments. John continues to design and manufacture to serve the aeromodeling community.
In 2011, John inaugurated John’s Jet Jam, in conjunction with the Pontiac Miniature Aircraft Club, Charter 367, in White Lake, Michigan, to promote all things related to jet flying. It is a fun event, with “anything that is a jet or looks like a jet” being the order of the day. Enhancing the experience are mass launches of 10-plus EDF aircraft with group flybys and huge loops to wow the crowd.
The 2024 event included a different twist of old and new. Pictured are 75-year-old Joe Hass and his 32-year-old son, Chris Hass. Joe is holding his 30-year-old Great Planes Patriot ARF propeller jet with retracts that is powered by the original Thunder Tiger .46 engine. Chris is holding his new 22-pound Black Horse two-meter Viper turbine jet that is powered by a KingTech K-85 G4 turbine engine and controlled by a JR radio system and Blue Bird servos. Chris took first place, as shown in the inset photo.
The next John’s Jet Jam is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Paul Goelz, the photographer, is the editor of the Skymasters RC Club of Michigan’s newsletter, Skywriter.
