Florida Jets & Top Gun
 

Looks like all things come to an end.

With concerns and situations brought to my attention about the events, unfortunately it's time to stop/retire Florida Jets and Top Gun.

I want to thank Lakeland Linder Airport for providing Paradise Field
for the events. I would also like to thank Sun n Fun and Polk County Sports Marketing.

I would like to thank our generous sponsors, the Hobby Distributors, Hobby Manufacturers, various companies, and individuals.

I have to thank all the individuals who have helped put on the events. The field set-up, organizing all the tents, signage, vendors, and maintenance. The Contest Directors, Judges, Announcers, Scorekeeper, Imperial R/C Club, Air Boss, Parking, Security, Front Gate. Photographers, and Magazine writers.

Most important, thank you to all the pilots who have participated in the events over the years. Frank and I have met so many people over years, who have become special friends to us. I'm thankful for all the great memories.

This just sucks. I remember the first time I attended back in the early 2000’s. I was so amazed and impressed with real turbine jets I took the plunge. Most notable was a guy (think his name was Matt) who had a neon green Bandit that was the fastest thing I had ever seen in the r/c world. That hooked me like a bad drug! It’s a sign of the times I guess.

Frank passed and he wanted to see TG make it to 35 years, Carol saw to that but she's probably tired of dealing with everything involved. I'm not the least bit surprised

Can you still fly at the there? Who will have the next big jet show and scale, It was great to see all that....

No, Paradise Field was open for events only since Frank passed, even before then it was only available once a month to small group of club members.

Has the urban sprawl caught up with the field? When I attended in 2015 it seemed to be in
the middle of nowhere, now it's surrounded on three sides with houses & corporate buildings.

Or has the new RFID requirements made it all too hard?

Whatever the reason it's a real shame. A friend commented that when I went there he considered
it a once in a lifetime opportunity. Turns out he was correct. Thanks for the memories!

Not sure about sprawl, to be honest, Frank passed and I just don't think Carol wants to deal with it.