For a List of Nationwide Heli Events – Click Here
For a List of IMAC Scale Aerobatic Events in South West US (AZ, NM, CA, NV, UT, CO) – Click Here
For a List of Scale Aerobatic Events in South Central US (KS, MO, OK, AR, TX, LA, MS) – Click Here
CALENDAR IN AGENDA FORMAT
May 1-4, 2024
The Event Director(s) for this event are Jan Sundberg and Dave “Falcon” Fusinato. Dave, who’s been flying turbine powered craft since the 1990’s. A legend in jet construction and a cornerstone to Team Hunter. with Jan Sundberg taking the helm on this mission. Both are members of the Clovis Area Modelers. Jan, has excelled rapidly into the field of Turbine aircraft achieving a first at the USSM for his first appearance. His special focus is in the area of onboard cockpit authenticity employing robotics, digital displays and a HUD for the animatronic pilot. Jan is no stranger to RC Modeling having a background that exceeds 30 years. Dave himself has previously managed jet rally’s from the Fresno Radio Modelers early 2000 events to the more recent field design on the 2019 US National Scale Modelers Championship. With assistance from other notable Turbine Jet Pilots (Jim Chapman, Tom Messer, Scott Lampkin, Dan Carlson, and more) this will inevitably play into the success of this rally.
Be prepared for a phenomenal event with even Large Turbine Model Aircraft (LTMA-1) and speed with formation & High and Low G Maneuvers!
This event will be held at the CAM (Peg) field [FRIA CERTIFIED] located adjacent to the Friant-Kern Canal. This is just below the north side of Campbell Mountain near Reedley, CA. A short 20 Minute drive from Clovis. This field is off Highway 180 and Alta & Jensen Avenues with a visual view of the Sierra Nevada toward Kings Canyon National Park. See directions below.
Helis over California (HOC) June 7-9, 2024 – Class C Helicopter event
1751 S Alta Ave, Reedley, CA 93654
List of top sponsors TBA
ClovisRC.club
Contact Jordan McFarlin at (559) 288-2462, or Jan Sundberg at (559) 479-0047
This next meeting begins at 10AM to be followed by a Potluck and then a Fun-Fly afterward
Welcome to the Clovis Area Modelers annual RC IMAC
“Kings Canyon ” Aerobatic Challenge
(Sep 27 – 29, 2024)
THE FIELD VENUE and CAMPING and DIRECTIONS
Peg field has a re-surfaced 700’ runway with an overall length of 3,000’ with the sun mostly at your back as the pits face north. The Pit/Shade area is 120’x26′ deep and offers 20′ wide bays for large scale aircraft access. Each bay is equipped with 110vac outlets and lighting via Solar/Generator power. There is a 120’x15′ Tarmac in front of the pits with two (2) 65’x15′ concrete ramps to the runway. The field provides adequate room for RV/Trailer parking and overnight camping (dry camping only).
More Info and directions go to: https://clovisrc.com/flying-fields/
The field will be open for IMAC practice starting on Friday at 8am. Pilots Meeting to be held Saturday at 8:00AM.
THE COMPETITION & FEES
Entry fee: $50 for IMAC members, $70 for Non IMAC members. First time Intro/Basic pilots are free with IMAC membership.
IMAC Competition for Basic, Sportsman, Intermediate Advanced and Unlimited will be both Saturday and Sunday. Freestyle demo/competition Saturday afternoon depending on Pilot availability.
AN INTRO TO AEROBATIC IMAC COMPETITION
Any AMA R/C Pilot who would like to try aerobatic (IMAC) competition but who has never flown in a contest before should come out Thursday at 4PM and attend our 1-2 hour orientation (where we will cover, flying etiquette, sequences (maneuvers and elements), scoring, points, k-factors, the box, turn-arounds, callers, and scribing); then. learn and practice the BASIC sequence. On Saturday at 8AM, Intro Pilots may sign up at the field; where, you will be assisted by the Contest Director and other experienced IMAC Veteran pilots on what to do. You will have the opportunity to fly our INTRO/BASIC sequence in the Contest just on Saturday.
RECOMMENDED AIRCRAFT FOR INTRO/BEGINNER
As for the aircraft, bring what you have now. Fixed Wing – Gas/Glow or Electric and join the fun and take advantage of this opportunity to join our IMAC family. The recommended sizes for planes to compete with at the INTRO/BASIC Level are:
- Any Low Wing Electric Aerobatic 1.1meter/42” w/s; (a Sukhoi, Extra, Visionaire etc.)
- Any Low Wing Aerobatic .40 -.60 size model – w/s ~48”–60” (Ugly Stik/EasySport OK!)
- Any LW Aerobatic 1.20 + size model with w/s ~ 60”– 80”, weight under 12 lbs.
- Any LW Aerobatic 25cc –50cc with w/s ~ 80”–90”, weight under 20 lbs
AMENITIES
- Concessions and/or lunch will be offered for Saturday and Sunday
- Onsite Portable Toilets (4 Standard plus 1 ADA)
- Large Parking Area
- 25 min from Clovis, CA
CONTACT INFO
- Contest Coordinator: Dale Grant (559-696-5128)
- Hosting Club website: https://clovisrc.com/
Due to unforseen life circumstances, Joe apologizes but is suspending the BITW Jet Rallys this year and going forward.
That said, two clubs are filling the gap with comparable events:
> Associated Modelers of Sacramento (amosrc.com) is hosting Thunder in the Valley – Jet Rally (Sept 26-28) – https://amosrc.com/product/thunder-in-the-valley-jet-rally/
> Clovis Area Modelers (Clovisrc.com) is hosting a Warbird Rally (October 24-26) – https://clovisrc.com/events/warbird/
It’s unfortunate about BITW; however, that event sparked interest among other California Clubs who are stepping up to help Joe’s legacy carry on.
WELCOME TO THE 33rd. ANNUAL BEST IN THE WEST JET RALLY 2024 (Tentative Dates)!
ONE OF THE LARGEST JET SHOWS IN THE WORLD!
CELEBRATING 32 YEARS OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE JET SHOW!
BUTTONWILLOW ELK-HILLS AIRPORT, BUTTONWILLOW, CA
AMA SANCTION #?
6-Flight Lines, Food On Site, Spectator Seating, Camping on Site, 3,260 X 50 Foot Paved Runway, No obstructions No Restrictions, 1200 foot Ceiling, RV Parking on Site (No Hook-Ups), On Site Thursday Night Taco Night, On Site Friday Night Pilots Dinner, On Site Saturday Night Banquet Awards Dinner and Auction With 36 Spectacular Awards Including The “Prestigious” The Colonel Robert E. Thacker Award, all in our huge 40 X 80 Enclosed Tent on site. Best in the West will be a 6 day event, Tuesday October 12th. through Sunday October 17th, 2021.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Best In The West Jet Rally is a non-competition AMA-Sanctioned event. This is an open, fun-fly event with very few restrictions.
All Registered Pilots planning to operate a turbine-powered model must have a Valid AMA Card and must be a CURRENT Turbine Waiver holder.
If you plan on only flying Electric or Gas ducted fans, you must only be AMA Current. Please have this information ready before you register, or at the Registration Table.
All Non-Waiver Pilots, MUST fly on the buddy box system. If you would like to have a Turbine Waiver Pilot and CD sign you off, this may be done from Tuesday or Wednesday by 6:00 PM. Please have all AMA papers with you. Please contact Joe for waiver time.
Best in the West 2021, the 32nd. Annual will be another great show as in the past. Come and join the many in attendance from all around the
United States and many from around the World.
We encourage everyone to RV and Camp at the field as there are many fun things going on during the after hours, BBQing, Night Flying!
Join “The Cali Crew” and see how we do it!
America’s Favorite Jet Rally!
BITW 2023
https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-jets-120/11705050-best-west-jet-rally-dates-2023-a.html
