Ali

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It seems like only yesterday I was sat at the hotel at Lakeland airport uploading photos of this event.. Well here we go again.
I got into Orlando early this year so that I could catch some R and R before my travelling season starts in ernest. I managed some shopping in North Orlando, which was great as I treated myself to a new SLR that I also hope will take decent video.
Today I went to Clermont and managed some full size gliding, and then went down to Frank Tiano's shop to unpack and assembled the models. I was a bit apprehensive as this year I decided to dispense with the wooden crates for shipping ( too expensive, too much labour to make and too many restrictions when shipping into the USA) Instead I went with cardboard boxes lined with lite ply. I am delighted to say that they worked out perfectly. All the models arrived without any damage.
Again, changing from my normal approach of bringing large jets.. This year I have opted to bring some of the small/micro jets. The largest model I packed was the P-80 powered Futura. This made a very welcome change, and meant that I was only about 2 hours in the shop assembling and checking, and even that was mainly chewing the fat with Dennis and John!
Once that was out the way I decided to head down to the field. I was keen to take a look at the new location, layout and of course the grass runway. Not knowing exactly where I was going, I ended up going the long way round and driving into the Sun and Fun museum entrance. Here I got to see some of the external improvements they have made to the layout and exhibits. Lots more funky aircraft outside on display now, and a stunning T33 gate guardian. I will be sure to make time tomorrow to have a good look inside, and see whats new.
From Sun and Fun, I could see the show layout. It was impossible to miss, with its impressive line up of tents and fences already set up.


Give me a moment on the photos... its the first time driving this new camera and I have set the files way too big for RCU

Ali

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Ali

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Ali

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Onto the event venue.
The entrance from the main road.. Dont forget, what you see is a far from finished site layout. There were plenty of folks beavering away as I drove and looked around.

madmodelman

Weather looks nice mate!

Ali

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Apart from the lovely green stuff on the floor.. it looks just like a normal Florida Jets from behind.

Ali

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Hi Gary,, Yeah. It s not too shabby. It reached 90 yesterday, but only 83/84 today. When I woke this morning it was peeing down, and I thought my gliding would be scrubbed, but it soon cleared.

Ali

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First of the RV's arriving. Damn!!!, how I wish I could have one of these in the UK. If you are going to slum it at an event.. this is how it should be done!

madmodelman

I'm very envious! Have a good one.

Ali

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Say what you may about their radios.. but by gosh do they have a nice trailer. Dunc!!! Take note. This is what I want Aero-creative sorting out! Pronto

Ali

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I just know people are going to complain about the field, but hell! Its considerably better than many that I have flown from. What no one can moan about is the amount of sheer effort that has gone into to making this areas what it is. You only have to look around and see the natural surface to appreciate what the guys at FTE have done. Thos hardstanding start boxes are perfect. The fact they are level ( Not sloped like previous years) is nice, plus I am sure they look bigger?
The flying area in front is allot more open. Gone are is the big row of trees, and hopefully the advertising banners ( Oh how I hated them)
My only concerns were the proximity of the hangars ( and rather expensive aircraft ) to the right, and the Sun and Fun Museum, but I am sure that will be dealt with at pilots briefing.

Ali

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Last few for tonight.
The grass runway.. Not sure on the dimensions, but first impressions are Plenty wide enough and plenty long enough. I did not give it a detailed inspection, but it looks really smooth to me. I was very interested as I have a couple of small jets with tiny wheels, but a feel about out my mind at rest. Its really well mowed, and obviously has been rolled a fair few times. Looking at it closer, it actually looks as if they have laid turf down especially for the runway, as its noticeably different to the area around it.
The good news is that I doubt you will tear a gear out if you roll off the runway..

Ali

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Spot the mistake ??

RCKen

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Ali,
Ok, I promise this year we'll do this all in one thread instead of starting another one like last year!!!

I'll be heading down to Lakeland tomorrow. See you on the flightline Thursday!

For the thread I'll be posting pictures every night from the event.

Ken

Ali

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Hey Ken.
The more the merrier. it would be nice to have a few more threads on this board that are not ending in a row
What makes you think that I will be on the flight line See you soon my friend.
Regards Al

Malcolm Kay

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Ali.....I have to say that your pictures and informative comments are what half the Jet pilots in america have been waiting to hear and see..pictures of the actual grass runway will set some minds at rest and probably promote some last minute desire to attend....bravo.... as to the grass your quite right FT paid a large lump sum out of his pocket to lay Bermuda grass and having flown from it at Monster planes I can assure you that the smallest wheels will cope, especially trailing link suspension.. I hope that anyone who maintained any doubts about Jets and grass will have their minds changed after this weekend....after all, the europeans have been flying off of grass runways with their heavy jets for years..Tarmac will always be a first choice , but green stuff is good too !

hoser

i like the width, much better than the taxi lane we used to use, this will be a lot more forgiving if we get a strong cross

thanks Ali

bigplumbs

I love flying off grass Generally much more forgiving in many ways.

Looks lovely there........ 4 degrees and cold wind here in Suffolk in the UK and I have got a day off. Was going to maiden the Nano but heck no way in this weather.

Ali........ Slip some Toki Ducty's into your crates and bring them back to the UK they would sell like hot cakes with P20's for us average pilots like me

I hope you all have a lovel event

Dennis

Ali

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If there are any specific photos that you guys want to see, just shout.
Well said Malcolm!
Dennis,
4 degrees hey.... I dont even think the fridge in this hotel room is that cold

If I were not bringing so much back, I would happily bring you back a Toki ( if there was one at the show that is) Lets see how things go, but so far one of the 5 models have sold so who knows On that subject... if there are some in the U.S and you are having trouble getting them to the Uk... then I have about three shipments per month from the USA to UK. So maybe I can be of help?

Anyway.. time for Breakfast ( Why dont we have Panera bread in the UK [:@] http://www.panerabread.com ) Then its off to load the models, and off to the field!

Regards Al

Couch Potato

Ali, you make me feel miserable. [:-]
You are not allowed to enjoy yourself whilst working.

Ali

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Sorry Julian. [8D]

Duncan

Noted mate, that is a nice trailer !!! Although you'd have to buy one for me to sticker up first
Which model has sold already, does that mean there is room for my bvm centre tank lol

i'm still gutted i'm not there, maybe next year.

mirce

Ali,

I envy you and other guys...

I look out the window and see snow falling in my back yard...

Have a nice time, and kind regards Frank...

Mirce

smaze17

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Al...thanks so much for your awesome reports. You are truly a shining light in this hobby of ours!!

-S

Bob_B

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How long and wide is paradise field?