A one-day introductory course on jet piloting in Glovelier

Our 180-meter-long grass runway, with ample clear space at both ends (surrounded by grassy fields), is ideal for this activity. The committee reached out to the Flight Factory Academy in Biel, which specializes in jet flight training, to organize this event. No sooner said than done: on Saturday, October 6, in
Glovelier under beautiful weather conditions, Samy Fasnacht, Reynolds Augsburger, Reto Senn, and his son Adrian prepared the jets for the training day. Meanwhile, the pilots—club members and members of neighboring clubs in Delémont and Porrentruy—arrived at the airfield, most of them with one goal in mind: to fly a jet for the first time!!! They turned out in force.

A briefing before the flights began covered the specifics of jet piloting:

“Careful, guys—don’t underestimate the response time when you open the throttle
. Also, keep in mind that the control surfaces aren’t driven by a propeller...”

The Flight Factory Academy spared no expense and brought us some great aircraft. Pilots had their choice of “beginner” jets such as the Boomerang or the Turbinator. Other jets were also available, including the Flash and the Hawk from CARF, as well as the Viper from Skymaster.

All in all, no less than 40 liters of kerosene and 18 flights were

The flights were conducted with dual controls, much to the delight of the pilots in attendance. Wow, finally getting to fly a jet—it’s amazing!!! The overall reaction was overwhelmingly positive, and you could see it on everyone’s faces… The flight itself wasn’t too much of a challenge for most of them (many of whom are skilled pilots), although the speed shouldn’t be underestimated. You really have to play with the
throttle and feel the difference in how the controls respond at high versus low speeds. However, all landings were performed by the instructors. As you know, this is the most delicate phase of flying a jet! The risk of damage is high, and it’s difficult to make corrections given the reaction times of the turbines! Given the enthusiasm generated
and the superb runway available, the instructors proposed to the club the idea of organizing a jet symposium. The committee didn’t need to be asked twice, and the date has already been set. Jet modelers, mark your calendars now for the weekend of May 25–26, 2013, and come join us for the first Jura Jet Symposium in Glovelier.

Flying a jet… the dream of many modelers, a dream
that came true thanks to the Flight Factory Academy… Thanks to Samy Fasnacht, Reynold Augsburger, Reto Senn, and his son Adrian… a day that will remain etched in many people’s memories.

*GAM Glovelier “Les
Ailes du Lémont”
www.ailes-du-lemont.com
Jean-François Kohler, Secretary
; Rudolf Huber, President*