Successful Kickoff for the 2013 Jet World Masters

From August 21 to 31, 2013, jet model designers and pilots from about 20 countries will compete with their replicas at the Meiringen Military Airfield. The models, built to scales ranging from approximately 1:6 to 1:4, will compete in two weight classes: up to 13.5 kg and up to 20 kg (unfueled). They are powered by jet engines with thrust ranging from 80 to 200 newtons (equivalent to 8 to 20 kg) or even higher. The aircraft competing at the Jet World Masters span a broad range of aviation history. On display are aircraft from the early jet era, such as the Fouga Magister flown by the defending champion in the 13.5-kg class, as well as more modern aircraft, such as the Yak-130 jet trainer flown by the defending champion in the 20-kg class. Visitors can admire the approximately 80 models not only in the air but also in the preparation hangar. An experience for young and old alike!

The fact that the 2013 Jet World Masters is being held at Meiringen Airfield is further proof of the strong relationship between the Swiss Model Flying Association/Aero-Club of Switzerland and the Swiss Air Force. At the kick-off event, Colonel (CGS) Peter “Pablo” Merz, commander of the Meiringen Airfield Command, familiarized those in attendance with the military airfield’s missions and its significant role as an employer in the region. His fascinating remarks also revealed his passion for flying not only the large F/A-18 but also model airplanes.

An event of this scale and duration requires careful organization that involves all stakeholders. The organizing committee—

The committee, led by Yves Burkhardt, Secretary General of the Aero-Club of Switzerland, is composed not only of representatives from the SMV and the AeCS, but also from the airfield command, the municipality of Meiringen, and Haslital Tourism. Together, they hope the event will benefit not only the model aviation community but also the Haslital region. With registered pilots, volunteers, and supporters alone, around 400 guests are expected, who will stay in the Haslital for at least ten days and explore the surrounding area. In addition, numerous spectators are expected, not only for the opening airshow on Saturday, August 24. The performance of the

The Swiss Air Force's PC-7 teams, along with other top-notch attractions, are sure to draw a particularly large crowd on this day!

The event is supported by a patronage committee comprising well-known current and former representatives from the aviation, political, and business sectors. Among them, on the military side, is Federal Councilor and Minister of Defense Ueli Maurer. Supporters from the civilian sector include, in addition to several politicians, Claude Nicollier and Bertrand Piccard—figures well-known beyond the aviation world—as well as Harry Hohmeister, CEO of Swiss International Air Lines.

Interested business partners can find various sponsorship packages to support the event on the website jwm2013.com. Contracts have already been signed with Feldschlösschen, Victorinox, Rivella, and UBS, all of which are supporting the international championship with substantial contributions. More will follow—including numerous manufacturers and retailers from the model aviation industry. Many of them will also be represented on-site with an exhibition booth.

In terms of public relations, the Jet World Masters 2013 can count on the generous support of the “Stiftung Modell Flugsport” (media partner in Switzerland) and the magazine “FMT” (international media partner).

Rounding out the support (as of mid-March) are over 260 individuals who are supporting the event as official “Friends of the Jet World Masters 2013” with a private donation of CHF 100 or more.

A heartfelt thank you to all current and future partners and sponsors!

Following the introductory presentations in the plenary hall at the kick-off event on March 2, the guests headed outside to the section of the taxiway that will also serve as the runway for the Jet World Masters. There, the Swiss Jet Scale Team put on an impressive demonstration of several models despite the extremely cold weather. The warm exhaust plume also helped warm up everyone’s chilled fingers that day. A big thank you to all the pilots and volunteers for the fascinating and safe demonstrations, which also received positive coverage in the press! Continuously updated information about the event can be found at jwm2013.com as well as on the dedicated Facebook page.