The Jet World Masters is a global competition held every two years in various countries around the world. In 2011, the location is the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This is the first time the event has been held in the U.S. and most likely the only time based on cost for visiting countries. Typically nearly 200 countries participate in the event and this year about 100 countries were unable to attend based on cost of the two week event. The event runs from July 24th through August 6th.

What is the Jet World Masters?

The Jet World Masters is an “extraordinary event bringing the best military and civilian turbine powered aircraft together to compete for the title of the Jet World Master.” (9th Jet World Masters, 2011). The jets are each modeled after a real aircraft with precision details, decals, interior, and landing gear. The jets must run off of kerosene or jet fuel.

Cost of the Event

While in the U.S. on federally operated land, the event is free for spectators. Parking and viewing are free while booths provide opportunities to learn about the RC jets and other aspects of the Jet World Masters. All types of radio control enthusiasts, modelers, and a variety of vendors are attending the event. Attendance cost may differ in other countries in subsequent years.

What to Bring

Based on the weather in Dayton, Ohio it is a good idea to bring a shade umbrella, bottles of water, and a comfortable chair. Not deemed a spectator event, limited seating is available in bleachers. The event is a competition and is rather slow moving, but never the less highly entertaining.

What the Model Jets can Do

Each jet is sent through a static display competition and an aerial competition where physical details and likeness to the actual aircraft are scrutinized, pilot capability for maneuverability and realism are judged, and overall quality of the aircraft and flying skills are taken into account.

Performance Factors

Each jet is modeled after a real aircraft such as an F-16, SR-71, or a MIG and is expected to perform the same types of “tricks” as the real aircraft. Take off, landing, approach, aileron roles, fly byes, sharp turns, and other stunts are performed by the pilots as they watch the jets overhead.

Many of the jets can fly well over 100 miles an hour with many flying as fast as 200 miles an hour. With a 5500 foot ceiling the jets fly nearly out of sight as they scream upwards and then return to sight before your eyes.

Starting cost for a basic shell and engine was report to be around $3800 with the mini turbine engine being the majority of the cost. Many of the aircraft on display and in the competition cost a great deal more and can exceed $50,000 with countless man hours of work to recreate realistic details, expert handling, and safe flying.

Prize for the Jet World Masters

Believe it or not, the prize is a trophy and bragging rights. There isn’t a purse to be won and the major thing the winner can look forward to is bringing the trophy to the next competition and display it proudly for all other countries to see. The winner is considered the best in the world.

Best Time to Attend

Each day of the event brings different pilots and aircraft to center stage starting at 9 in the morning. From 12 noon through 1:30 p.m. the Priority Flying takes place. This is where you would have the best odds of seeing some of the better aircraft such as the SR-71 flying. In the evening hours there is Open Jet Flying when the competition flying is finished for the day.

Next Event

The next Jet World Masters event will be held in Switzerland. The event in the U.S. may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend unless you are involved with the program, visiting another country, or living in another country when the event occurs. Take the time to come out and see these extraordinary jets at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433).

What are your thoughts on the Jet World Masters? Did you get an opportunity to attend? Feel free to share questions or comments below.