ORIGINAL: RobertV
I have to mention this. Ken Wade from Raleigh, NC (blue shirt in the first pic below) is new to jets and built (and is receiving training on) this beautiful Reaction. He's an ex-Navy guy and the squadron markings on the plane reflect the squadron he serviced. Joe Rafalowski from Atlanta, GA (also pictured) is an ex-Navy pilot who flew A-4's and S-3's in service. He's also a very accomplished RC jet jockey who was helping Ken get some quality buddy-box time at the event. Well, Ken volunteered some time on his Reaction for Joe to also give current Navy F-18 and UAV pilot Lt. Cmdr Kyle Matthew (Patuxent river, MD) a taste of RC jets at the event. Kyle (posing with the jet in the second pic) is an avid RC pilot but never flew a turbine jet until this moment. It was special to see three Navy men pull this off at First in Flight!
That is an awesome story Robert. Even though we attend these events, we don't know all the inside stuff that's going on. It's these personal stories that make the event that much better.
Thanks for starting to post the pictures and thanks to Lt. Cmdr Matthew for taking them and his service.
Marty