The wind was light and straight down the runway but the sky was grey. This did not discourage 11 jets from turning up to the first NIJets event, a low key relaxing day with some prizes thrown in for fun.

A large number of the North Down clubs members arrived to watch the jets burn up the sky with fast low passes down the strip. There was always a jet in the sky, sometimes more than one, apart from the pre arranged breaks to let the club members have some fun too.

Robert brought his Harpoon powered by a Wren 54 and this creates a beautiful sound as it flew up the strip at low level. Gordon had his L39 along and Chris brought his Red Arrows Hawk, complete with smoke system.

Phelim brought his Kangaroo and everyone else brought Boomerangs. Mine was the odd one out, being an Elan as everyone else brought Intros. Enough of the lists, let’s talk about the flying.

As this was the first NIJets event we all had to complete check flights. Robert and Gordon kindly stepped up and took each pilot through the routine. I am happy to report that everyone passed with 'flying' colours. (Sorry, I couldn't resist that)

We had two pilots who travelled from across the border, Seamus from the LetterKenny club, and Andreas from the Midland club. Andreas was awarded the furthest travelled prize, which like all of the others was a box of chocolates.

Harry and Robert took to the sky together on a number of occasions and flew in formation. They are beginning to make this look easy, which it's not. They even land in formation. I think it is beginning to become habit as they fly their helicopters in formation as well. That is nice to watch.

Chris opted not to fly the Hawk but did fire her up and taxi along the runway with the smoke system on, always a winner with the crowd.

David and Stephen flew their Boomerangs on a number of occasions, as did George Irwin from the Dungannon club.

Ian flew his swing wing F14, a large foam model powered with a prop on the back. Although it is not fast it is impressive to watch as the wings sweep back in flight. Unfortunately on a very low pass the prop hit the runway and ended the flight with the aid of a wire mesh fence. Luckily the damage is minor and the big F14 will fly again soon.

Phelim flew his Kangaroo on a number of occasions but I unfortunately didn't actually get to watch any so I can't add any details here. Sorry phelim. We do have photos though, courtesy of John.

I flew my Elan and as mentioned above, had to do my check flight. After the mandatory manoeuvres I had time for two fast passes before landing. I'm glad I didn't do three fast passes as I didn't have enough fuel left after landing to complete another circuit. Gulp. On my second flight I filled the smoke tank and did some aerobatics with smoke on, and remembered to start my flight timer. A much more comfortable fuel reserve was on board after landing this time.

Albert, the North Down Club Chairman then handed out the prizes and thanked the NIJets members for coming, and invited us back later in the year for another days fun. We look forward to it very much

More photos from the event available here.

Peter Carson  (Chairman NIJets)