Topic: JMA TOPGUN 2012 - MAY 19/20 2012

The date for the second JMA TOPGUN event has been set for May 19/20 2012, which will see a proper two day jet event as opposed to the 'club day' we had this year. Despite the forecast alot of people still turned up for the event and their attendance was much appreciated, there was still alot of flying in the less than perfect conditions. It would be nice to see the weather we had at the first Merryfield meet in 2010 . . . . it was perfect!! As before the pilot limit is set at 40 JMA members (there is no need for RNMAA or Illminster members to book) and booking in will begin from January 1st in the usual manner by contacting JMA Secetary Roger Kilbey.

I have posted this now as i have had many questions about next years event and i am aware that people are wanting to organsie there diaries for next year. For those who are thinking of attending but have not been before, the event is organised by the JMA and a handful of resident members of the Royal Navy Model Aircraft Association which includes Pat Barnes, 'Fez' Parker and myself, several of the Illminster club who also fly from Merryfield and had helped out so much with the first event. Royal Naval Air Station Merryfield is situated in the heart of the Somerset countryside, it is a satellite airfield to the main base at nearby RNAS Yeovilton. It is a perfect venue for a jet meeting as many who attended the previous events will testify, it is an aviation training area for the resident squadrons at Yeovilton as well as many visiting aircraft. The only major building on the site is the control tower which is in the no fly zone anyway, the only obstacle you have to avoid is the deck!!

There is plenty of camping, hotels/B&B's in the area so accomodation will not be a problem if you are wanting to come for the whole weekend.

The Topgun part of the weekend will be held on the Sunday only, as before this will not impact on the flying as there will be no 'slots' or static judging. It is based solely on flying only, it was felt that for the scale models this would be a better approach due to the large number of very nicely finished/detailed ARTF kits available aswell as models that are built for others, it also amkes things alot easier all round as it cuts out a lot of the comlications. As a result of last years event we have decided to introduce a 'Sport jet' class as it was difficult to judge the different types of models in the same category. As i have already said, it is all on flying only (so John Tancock will be knackered as taking it out of the car on to the stand does not count!) the finer details are still being worked out but all will be in place prior to the event and i will keep people informed as to what is happening via RCU and the JMA website. As with previous events, we are open to any suggestions you may have that could improve this event as it is the pilots/crews who are the larger part of making an event successful so if it is practical to make any changes . . . we will!

As before the event is will benefit the Royal Naval Benevolent trust http://www.rnbt.org.uk/

The entry list for this event is now open. ALL pilots and helpers must book in prior to the event as entries will not be taken on the day, the cut off date for entries is Sunday May 6. Please contact JMA Secretary Roger Kilbey to book in giving your name and also your make, model, colour and registration of your car.
If you do not have Roger's email address please PM/email me for it or contact him through the JMA contacts page.