From the Hangar

It really feels like I was just writing the last newsletter yesterday. I can't believe how close we are to the first of the year already!

The rain is starting to fall here in the Pacific Northwest. Much like the weather, it's time to transition into full shop season. I'm excited to focus and try to achieve the ever elusive 'getting ahead in the shop.'

Tyler

The Setup: Turbines Jets and Helicopters
Part 1

Once you've been to the field and heard the distinct sound and smell of a turbine, it becomes unmistakable. The ultimate in realism, it's hard to beat the smell of jet fuel and the sound of a turbine.

So where do you start? Great question! The first part of this series will focus on just that.

The first thing to do is talk with likeminded individuals. Chances are you were or will be at an event or local club with a turbine jet or helicopter. Talk with them, get to know the process of how they work, the required support equipment, and the process of becoming a turbine pilot.

The first goal if you're in the USA is to gain a turbine waiver/qualification through the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).

Both fixed-wing and rotary require a separate waiver. A waiver is obtained by completing the requirements outlined in AMA document 510-D for fixed wing and 510-F for rotary. They require different flying and knowledge benchmarks.

For a fixed-wing waiver, you'll need to satisfactorily accomplish all requirements outlined in 510-D in front of two fixed-wing turbine waiver holders, with one being a contest director (CD).

For rotary, the same rules apply, with satisfactory accomplishment of all requirements. The CD observer will additionally need to have a helicopter designee rating. This is granted through the AMA, in partnership with the International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA).

Finding waiver holders and CDs can be done through AMA's website and using form 510-M, but you'll need to be signed in as a member to see this information.

So, once you have the pre-requirements accomplished, it's usually an afternoon at the field demonstrating flying and knowledge proficiencies of the aircraft type you're intending on obtaining a waiver for.

Once you've been signed off on, you submit the appropriate paperwork to the AMA. They'll review your application and issue you a new AMA card with the waiver.

Next month, for Part 2, we'll talk about how the two types of aircraft act differently being powered by a turbine.

Have an idea or a subject you'd like to see discussed? Send us an email at info@tylergraymodels.com.

New Products

We are continuing to bring on board new products and product lines.

uniLIGHT is continuing to produce new and exciting ways to add light to your aircraft, car, boat, or even UAV. These are the brightest lights I've used. We're continuing to expand our inventory to better support your lighting projects.

The new Jakadofsky Pro 7000 is now shipping. Designed with a new, high-pressure compressor wheel, it produces a healthy 7kW of power.

I'm really excited to announce we now have in limited stock the new TGM Soundproof Blanket Set. It's been designed as a drop-in kit for the Roban UH-1 Huey. Just glue the panels in and you're all set!

Soundproof Blanket Set

The new TGM Exhaust Kit for the Roban UH-1 Huey helicopter is designed with painting and weathering in mind.

Exhaust Kit

Skid Steps for the Roban UH-1 skids are designed around the Roban skids, so they fit perfectly.

SKID STEPS

We've expanded our Warbird Pilots lineup to include jet pilots. These pilots are great quality, lightweight, and perfect for your scale model. After all, nothing throws the illusion of scale off faster than seeing an aircraft flying around with no one at the controls!

Have a formal dinner coming up? Nothing says formal like the Trucker-style TGM Logo Hat. Pick one up today!

Free shipping on all apparel!

Hats

Events

Well, I feel like we're nearing the end of the flying season. If you have an indoor flying or non-flying event you would like posted, let us know.

Have an event you'd like posted? Email us at info@TylerGrayModels.com.

Event Roundup

Best in the West Jet Rally

For myself, BITW was the last event of the year. Four of us headed down from Washington/Oregon and made the 14-hour trip to Buttonwillow, California. The weather was warm at around 85-90 degrees F, with light winds.

With more than 130 pilots attending, the flight line was action-packed. TGM set up a booth this year; our first being a vendor at BITW. I just want to say thank you to everyone that stopped by!

Our jet had a fuel cell issue and ended up having to have a new fuel cell installed at the event. Thank you to everyone that helped donate parts and install them. We burned more than 10 gallons of fuel, with many successful flights.

Along with the photos below, I walked through the pits to give you an idea of the size and number of wonderful jets that were in attendance.

I was even able to sneak in a couple Mi-8 flights in the evenings!