1Eye

My Feedback: (2)

Many jet owners/pilots seem to make a career out of attending jet rallies on an annual basis. [8D]

I've listed some curiosity-related questions for the poll whose answers might tell us something about ourselves and the events we choose to attend. Unfortunately only implied "yes" answers can be provided for each choice - in those instances if yes doesn't apply to your answer then skip over the question. Obviously there are more questions that need to be asked but the ones listed are all I could think of to expose for now ... And please don't hesitate to share any personal thoughts via email or expand your views on each option here publicly.

Thanks for taking the time to participate!

drdoom

My Feedback: (9)

I go to Learn.
I also Have friends that attend.

Kevin_W

My Feedback: (1)

I go to jet events to fly and socialize.
I pretty much have decided that I will never again attend one of the really large jet events where the registration fee is >$50 and there are so many pilots that it is almost impossible to get a spot at the flightline.

Not sure what you mean by "help out" at the event, but I'd be willing to help part time with flightline or impound if the event was understaffed, but by the same token I am there to fly and if I paid a registration fee the hosting club should be willing to staff the event adequately since they are usually trying to make a profit for the club.

LGM Graphix

My Feedback: (22)

It's easier to put an answer next to each since they're more questions that should be answered yes or no, not sure how to check them :P


Do you participate in 2 or more jet rallies/year? - Yes

Do you participate in more than 5 jet rallies/year? - If possible, but my time is the issue usually

Would increased trans. costs affect your decision to attend an event? - Unfortunately yes

Are registration costs a factor in your attendance? - not really if it's a good event at a good location

Do you expect "goodies" because you paid to register? - expect? no... appreciate? of course but it's no big deal if not

Is non-jets noon time entertainment important? - not for me, I'd rather have the time to fly, that's why I'm there

Are these events socially important to you? - of course, if it wasn't for visiting friends I'd rather just fly on my own but that's not what the hobby is about

Or do you just want to fly and not be bothered with the fanfare? - I want to fly with my friends but as above would prefer no "demo's" that's not why I go, if I want to see a helicopter fly I'll go watch a heli event.

Would you be willing to help at an event you attend? - only if it's one I'm helping organize, otherwise it takes away from the "Holiday" aspect. Of course I'm always willing to help fellow pilots.

flyinfool1

My Feedback: (2)

Having just received my waiver in the mail last week, I am looking forward to attending some jet events this summer.
Some of my criteria are.
Less than 400 mile driving radius.
On field camping. Primitive is fine.
I am not opposed to helping out some at an event, but much less likely to be willing to help if there was a big landing fee.

An event that will let me know where it is.
I see so many advertised that give the name of the event, but no clue as to a host club or even general geographic location even a state would help.
Being new to jets I don't just "know" what all of the events are.

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

I go to jet events to apologize in person for all the mean things I say on Rcuniverse! [sm=71_71.gif]

patf

My Feedback: (4)

Do you participate in 2 or more jet rallies/year? Yes

Do you participate in more than 5 jet rallies/year? Average is 5

Would increased trans. costs affect your decision to attend an event? No

Are registration costs a factor in your attendance? <$50 probably so, but No otherwise

Do you expect "goodies" because you paid to register? No

Is non-jets noon time entertainment important? No

Are these events socially important to you? Yes

Or do you just want to fly and not be bothered with the fanfare?

Would you be willing to help at an event you attend? If i knew in advance and it didnt impact too much flying. I have CD'd or assisted too many events over the years

Would you share addl thoughts via email to the poll starter?

Main reason to go is geographic. Is there something there that makes me wanna go. Mississippi for the facility and the gang. I'd like to get to Arizona again for the desert, was on google maps just last night looking at the denver chatfield site and would love to make it there again as well. Like Kevin says above I am done with the "super" rally's with high registration, crowded flight lines, and "great" runways offered to r/c pilots because the prevailing winds make them unuseable to even full scale aircraft. I am perfectly content with the 30 pilot event as the 50+ pilot event.

As an organizer, do what you can to give the event a chance to do well. Timing seems to be critical, coordinating with the events around the area. Then be happy with how many you get to show up.

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

I go to one jet rally a year.

I go because I like having a good time with friends more than anything. I can generally fly every Sunday so I could care less If I can fly or not at the event.

Why just one event? Because it's the only one where most of my flying buddies agree on going.

Also, the event has got to be close to home. Not a big fan of driving. [8D]

That pretty much leaves me with GSW and a couple of weekends a year at Waco. I'm happy.

David

afterburner

My Feedback: (18)

Sean, Is there enough time in the year?.

Marty

dbarrym

My Feedback: (47)

Some random thoughts and observations -

I go to more out of state events than events here in Kalifornia. Travel cost is always a factor but I see these as primarily social events, and it's great to put faces with online names. I count U2Fast, Bob-O, Seinreit, Steve and Dawn, Vern M, and many many others as new friends met at these events.

I have two or three events I consistently go to every year - Texas (Waco) for the great hospitality and friendly hosts, the AZ events (Desert Jet Storm and Tucson) have perfect weather and a great low-key attitude. Mississipi is on my radar for next year for the same reasons, as is Sin City (if work schedule allows).

Never been to FIJR or Superman but I prefer the smaller events anyway, especially if the entry fee is high (over $50 or so) and the chance to fly is low.

Noontime entertainment is highly contingent on what the program entails - most of us in Jets have a lot of prior experience in pattern, IMAC, F1/Q40/Q500 racing, etc. so these demos can be boring. Unless it is something really unique or new, I'd rather see the time used for flying or spectator lineups/viewing.

The pilot raffles are a great bonus and I enjoy getting something but that is not why I go. I would like to see event "dash plaques" or event stickers in the registrant's kit as it is always fun to stick them on the shop fridge or toolbox as a memento.

Dedicated flightline parking for participants is important - nothing sucks more than having to lug all your gear 2 blocks twice a day.

Barry

jonkoppisch

My Feedback: (162)

Barry, you need to come to Pensacola next year!!! Drive up to the runway, carry your stuff 10 ft and go fly on either of 2 full scale runways

bcovish

My Feedback: (8)

Hell Sean, but the time you get through apologizing, it's time to go home

I attended 8 jet rallies this year and had a good time at all of them. Flying is second on my things to do at events, socializing is number one. Each year I try to attend one event that I haven't been to before. Next year it will be Georgia Jets. So which one will be given up to go to Georgia, none I guess. Next year it will be 9 events.

I'll even let Barry fly my Boomerang at Waco next year after I install some wing tip skids.[:@]

1Eye

My Feedback: (2)

Thanks for all the participation and replies so far. The individual posts have been very helpful. I'm still laughing over Sean's reply (Post #6 I think).
Looking at how the "yes" answers are spread and some of the written comments provided, they sorta confirm a gut feel I already have on some of the questions. The outcome of this "poll" will probably not influence somebody to do or not do anything but the insights are helpful.

Thanks - I hope others take the opportunity to participate and share their "votes" and their views. Note the "percentages" don't mean anything since the categories are not comparative to one another.

Added: Please post/share any additional thoughts or comments on jet events/rallies you think might be relevant.

Wayne22

My Feedback: (2)

Do you participate in 2 or more jet rallies/year?
Do you participate in more than 5 jet rallies/year?

About 3 if I'm lucky


Would increased trans. costs affect your decision to attend an event?

I drive rediculous distances to get there... and usually the gas prices peak the week I go.... it would have to get pretty expensive for me not to attend....


Are registration costs a factor in your attendance?

Usually the landing fees have been pretty minimal. I don't mind paying a reasonable, yet fair registration fee.....


Do you expect "goodies" because you paid to register?

I am not a fan of door prizes for a number of reasons. I prefer it if there are none. If the host club wants to do a fund raising raffle, that is fine...


Is non-jets noon time entertainment important?

Waste of everyone's time...[sm=thumbs_down.gif]


Are these events socially important to you?

Absolutely!!


Or do you just want to fly and not be bothered with the fanfare?

I go to fly, but there is usually time to sociallize, and talk to spectators..


Would you be willing to help at an event you attend?

If I have free time between flights, sure.....


Would you share addl thoughts via email to the poll starter?

...just did

AndyAndrews

lol you still owe me a cold one!

BCoston

My Feedback: (7)

Admit it Sean, you go to jet events to practice your Poker Skills!!

dbarrym

My Feedback: (47)

OUCH!!!

Bob-O, I'll take you up on it as long as I can do a full annual on your gear first. Seriously - thanks for the use of your Boomer, mine's ready for you if ya'll ever make it out this way.

Barry

Yann

Do you participate in 2 or more jet rallies/year?
Do you participate in more than 5 jet rallies/year?
I'll go to any jet meet up to a 300km radius.
I attended to 6 this year between France and Spain.
I'll also try to go to Germany next year...

Would increased trans. costs affect your decision to attend an event?
Of course yes. This cost sets the max. radius I'm willing to drive.

Are registration costs a factor in your attendance?
It's no big deal in europe. from 10 to 30 Euros here in France.
About the same in Spain.

Do you expect "goodies" because you paid to register?
No.

Is non-jets noon time entertainment important?
??? I've never seen this. All I know is the smell of jet 1A from morning to evening.

Are these events socially important to you?
Yes.

Or do you just want to fly and not be bothered with the fanfare?
There is no need for a fanfare at a jet meet.
All there is to do is fly and and mingle...

Would you be willing to help at an event you attend?
depends what to do. I could give hand,
but I'm not willing to take any important responsability in anything.
Like others, it also depends of the so called landing fee.

Would you share addl thoughts via email to the poll starter?
Why not.

geh3

My Feedback: (84)

Do you participate in 2 or more jet rallies/year?
Do you participate in more than 5 jet rallies/year?

About 2, mostly local to DE/PA/NJ/MD . I am not into packing stuff into a trailer and driving to Fla or the west coat ...that's where SKS videos and others come into play and capture these events!


Would increased trans. costs affect your decision to attend an event?

The 2 rallies near me are close enough not to be affected by fuel prices


Are registration costs a factor in your attendance?

no


Do you expect "goodies" because you paid to register?
not neccesarily


Is non-jets noon time entertainment important?
only if it's Mac Hodges and his B-29!


Are these events socially important to you?

sURE


Or do you just want to fly and not be bothered with the fanfare?

FLying is fun esp when the site is awsome as was the Hamburg Jet Rally ( Totally Great field!)


Would you be willing to help at an event you attend?

sure

JimBrown

My Feedback: (2)

Do you participate in 2 or more jet rallies/year?
Do you participate in more than 5 jet rallies/year?

Eight to ten jet rallies a year.

Would increased trans. costs affect your decision to attend an event?

May not like it, but won't affect my decision.

Are registration costs a factor in your attendance?

Nope.

Do you expect "goodies" because you paid to register?

Nope.

Is non-jets noon time entertainment important?

Not important to me. Some I like, some I don't. If I don't like it, I go get some lunch. If I do like it, I get my lunch early and eat while I watch. No biggy to me, as long as it is not too long.

Are these events socially important to you?

You betcha. The wife and I have met some great guys and gals over the last 10 or so years.

Or do you just want to fly and not be bothered with the fanfare?

See previous answer.

Would you be willing to help at an event you attend?

Not particularly. I'd hope that the organizers have things in hand (they usually do) and I can do what I came to do. Fly and shoot the crap.

My .02 bucks (now worth more!)

...jim

Lance Campbell

Personally, I'd just as soon see manufacture's demo flights just mixed in with every one else, throughout the day.

What I would like to see more of, is manufacture's seminar's. Last year, the JR guys talking about 2.4 GHZ, or the days at Superman, when BVM would do a thing on on Metal Finishes, or JMP would do a talk on composite manufacturing techniques. I like learning stuff, and enjoy those presentations / talks.


Lance

1Eye

My Feedback: (2)

I think most will agree with your thought.

The "noon time demo" question was implicitly focused on some of the non jet-related entertainment some organizers are compelled to present. Things like aerobatic RC helicopters, in-your-face fixed-wing 3D flown by >40%'ers, and RC combat demos are a few examples. Publicly attended and spectated jet rallies for many clubs are a source of much-needed revenue and some clubs feel the need to entertain the public with more than "just" jets. I would prefer to have more time to interact with visitors and spectators during a noon time lineup of the jets.