Jet-powered model planes coming to Cape

~ Fans of fast-moving miniature aircraft to gather at local airport.

The Superman Jet Rally, one of the largest exhibitions of radio-controlled, jet-powered model airplanes in the world, will be held at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport next month. This ends a 17-year run for the event in Metropolis, Ill.

More than 100 jet modelers from 33 states and 10 countries will show off their pricey toys from Oct. 4 to 7.

The model planes weigh 6 to 8 pounds, cost as much as $30,000 and can reach speeds of up to 250 mph. This is mostly a non-competitive event with prizes only handed out in certain "best of" categories, but that doesn't mean there won't be excitement for spectators.

"Even if you don't know anything about airplanes, you can come out and have a thoroughly enjoyable experience," said Jerry Caudle, who has helped organize the event since its inception. "There will be all kinds of aerobatics and maneuvers, some of the planes are rigged to release smoke. There's just a lot going on."

The jets flown by the modelers are essentially miniature versions of the real thing. They have turbines that burn kerosene, wheel control, brakes and throttleable engines. Caudle said they are capable of flying as high as 3,000 feet but are restricted by the grounded operators who must keep the planes in their line of sight.

"Vision is your control," he said.

And when vision fails, crashes are a danger. Caudle said these weekend events generally average between two and four crashes, including occasional mid-air collisions. Spectators are kept well out of harm's way during these events, he said.

The crashes are costly, but Caudle, a former world champion, says competitors know that going in.

"I tell people who want to get into this hobby, 'if you can't handle tearing up one of these things a year mentally or monetarily, just go bowling or play golf. Because things happen."

The technology is so cutting edge and competitive that top planes become obsolete after only a year of use, he said.

Admission to the event is $5 and free for children under 12. Organizers are hoping to attract between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

Current world champion Wolfgang Klur of Germany is among those scheduled to appear. The event was moved from Metropolis because of a new FAA regulation that forbids federally funded airports from hosting non-aeronautical events. Because Cape Girardeau has two runways it can hold the event without closing the airport. Metropolis only has one runway.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

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