The SMAC site at Wroughton has been
the home base for many jet models, ever since the heady days of
the ducted fan! Acres of unspoiled tarmac in an area with no physical
obstructions to worry about makes the site an ideal place from which
to fly jets.
Wroughton’s model jet ‘heritage’ includes having
the distinction of being the first site in the country from which
a commercial gas turbine was flown (JPX T-240P in 1992) and it was
also the site of the JMA organised Jet World Masters competition
of 1997 – the most prestigious competition on the ‘Jet’
calendar! SMAC also organises its own jet events, which are well
attended.
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This Airworld MB 339 was flown many
times at the SMACs JMA/LMA Fly-In at Easter 2006
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Mike Gay's Simjet powered DSV Foxjet
- the kit for this is manufactured by SMAC's Dick Spreadbury
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SMAC has some 60 jet fliers on its books (both of gas turbine and
ducted fan powered aircraft) and it’s a rare occasion if none
of the ‘Jet Boys’ are on site! So, for anybody beginning
in the world of jets, or thinking about becoming a jet pilot, there’s
a wealth of experience available from some of the countries top
jet builders and fliers, including past Jet World Masters winners,
all of whom are approachable and willing to give help and advice.
To ensure that jet and prop driven aircraft co-habit in harmony,
SMAC has a few simple rules in place to help keep everybody safe
and to comply with JMA and BMFA codes of practice. Newcomers are
asked to liaise with one of the Club’s nominated Jet Reps
before they fly, just to make sure the basic Club ‘Jet Protocols’
are observed, and all new jets to the site are scrutineered by our
Jet Reps too – just to try and enhance safety and maintain
standards.
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