2003 Florida International Jet Rally -
Wrap Up
Page 1
2003
marked the tenth anniversary of the FIJR. When we started with twenty
ducted fan pilots years ago, we never envisioned today's excitement about R/C
Jets. With the growth of our hobby, and the wonderful support we have
received from both pilots and sponsors, the FIJR is truly a special event.
Known as the "Pilots Jet Rally", is what it's all about!!!
This
years event was highlighted by many things including great weather, a large
pilot turn out and hundreds of flights. A large contingent of
international participants were on hand again this year. Basically
everyone having a great time in beautiful Lake Wales, Florida was this years
theme.
As with all events of this size and scope, there is a
lot of pre-planning and on-site work to make it a success. Steve and I
want to thank: John Banner, Larry Hewitt and Wally Sundey for their assistance
again this year. We must also recognize Florida SkyDiving Center as our
host, and Jeff Dudley for his continued assistance.
As we tell all those who ask; This is not a
competition, it's a fly-in. We do give awards for excellence,
and recognize outstanding achievement in design, building, finish and flying.
These awards are coveted by every person who earns one.
The 2003 award winners are:
Best Graphics
Mark Woodland BVM Bandit
Best Military Jet
Jorge Escolana YAC F-18
Best Sport Jet
David Carter BVM Bandit
Outstanding Craftsmanship
Lewis Patton CAI Cougar
Top Gun Award
Johnny Hernandez
Pilots Choice
Tommy Wood YAC F-18
Above and Beyond
Tom Wood
Special Manufacture Presentation
Jim Weigle - AMT
Special Presentation
Bernie - "The Film Maker"
The Dates for 2004 are November 5 - 7 and we look forward to seeing everyone
at next years event.
"THE PILOTS JET RALLY"
I compliment John and Steve for the job they
did regarding safe flying at FIJR 2003......when things were light on Thursday
afternoon and thru mid-day on Friday, they were in the background,
watching.....I did get pinched for standing in the wrong zone on the
flight-line.....but deserved it....that's about the worst that happened early
on.....But the rest of the busy weekend with about 70 checkins, they earned
their keep, maintaining a safe pit and pilot area, assuring safe flow onto the
runways, and did a good job of keeping speeds down....
Here are a few of our English
friends who visited us again this year.
This picture is courtesy of BVM, Inc.
The following pictures are courtesy of Paul Hopkins
Jorge del
Ray's superb YAC F-18 Hornet
It could be an award winner soon.
These guys are
everywhere. Vern and Larry Kramer, Francis Pischner and Dennis Lott.
We look forward to Dennis's return with some of his "Mississippi Gang".
Manny does things
in a big way. Planes, cart, pilot and just about anything else.
Hope everything is
OK !!!!
Maybe BV is explaining a new building feature for one of his kits.
The Lewis Patton
hanger. Super pilot, great builder and a really nice guy.
Scott Marr was one
of many who drove all the way from Texas.
Is this the "redest" airplane you have ever seen?!?!?
Bernie and the crew
doing another interview. His Thrust 1 production from
last year is really spectacular. Can't wait to see the 03 version.
BV is admiring John
Banner's F-86 in Metal Coat. Great looking ship.
Who would have ever
believed it. Wally Sundey with his airplane on it's back.
John Banner assisting in the repairs.