Best in the West '99
This is a traveling show designed by the California R/C Jet Association to enhance jet modeling in the western states. The St. George Utah club, "Remote Possibilities" hosted the '99 event at their absolutely perfect flying site. It's big, wide open and picturesque as the photo's describe.
Dan Johnson and cousin Kent Nogy did the contest management honors and provided a very pleasant experience for all to attend. The big runway is an important component for a big event. It allows for the less than perfect piloting and equipment function without incurring damage to your models.
Sam Leonard and B.V. flew into Las Vegas, Nevada with a couple of Bandits in Jet Cases and rented a Budget cargo van for the 100 mile drive north. We shipped the Rafale by America West air cargo in a custom made box. The Rafale, the new balsa Bandit and the new Smooth Stop brake valve were BVM objects of promotion at the event and we are happy to report that they all functioned well.
The photo sequence depicts some BVM customers with their jets who all flew many times in the perfect weather.
Of special interest was Tony Frakowiak flying a BVM .91 powered Sabre jet to the extreme of its performance envelope. Tony confided that he really enjoys jet flying and that we will see lots more of him on the jet event circuit. Some other pattern fliers are joining our ranks as well and they bring to our sport a style of flying that is both disciplined and entertaining.
| Dan McClure and George Jones flew a pair of colorful Bandit V's powered with the BVM .91/VIOFAN system. Dan 's was brand new for this event. The St. George facility provided a great place to ease those "first flight jitters". |
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Bandits and P-80's were popular at Best in the West. Here, event organizers Kent Nogy and Dan Johnson, show off there beautifully crafted models. Great flying sites like the "Remote Possibilities" club facility offer the best chance for not scratching these modeling works of art. |
| Viojett powered Sabres were also popular at Best in the West. At 14 pounds the Sabre is lightly loaded and the thrust from a .91/Viojett is quite strong so these models handle the 2800 ft altitude effortlessly. Here we have 3 great models and their very competent pilots Dan Avilla, Dean Witchmann (Golden West turbine powered), and Tony Frackowiak.
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Paul Bagman and son kept this BVM F-16 in the air constantly. Paul is a former Navy F-18 fighter pilot now with American Airlines - his piloting skills are evident. His new RAM powered Bandit will be airborne soon. |
| Steve Unze - also an airline pilot (United) is really enjoying his first jet - a Bandit V with BVM .96 and VIOFAN power. |
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BVM reps like John Redman and Chris Huhn are very instrumental in helping new jet jockeys attain success. John flew his veteran Bandit V a dozen times at the event besides helping others. Chris takes a break from flying his "Hammer" powered Bandit T to help Skeet Hunt with a 10 year old Viper with KBV .72 power - it still works! |
| You've heard from Harley Condra in Inlet 28 - now here he is in full color with his RAM powered Bandit. Harley made some great landings at Best in the West. |
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C/Net Personalities Daphne Brogdon and Amber Benson seemed happy with the new BVM balsa Bandit. Their crew was at the Best in the West and a nice R/C Jet promotional piece will appear at a later date. We will announce here when it will air. Pretty girls and jet airplanes - wow, our sport is getting better! |
| America West Airlines and Air Cargo got Sam Leonard and B.V. to Las Vegas then a Budget rental truck allowed us to complete the trip to St. George, Utah. Event hosts Dan Johnson and Kent Nogy supplied the space and tools to get these models ready for flight. Thanks to them, all 3 of these BVM factory jets performed flawlessly. |
 
 Rafale shipping crate drawings will be available. You build it from 1/8" ply, some 1x2's and foam. Weight with model is 90 pounds. |
