From the idea to the actual event

Ever since we started publishing JetPower magazine, the editorial office began to receive requests from readers for sources of information. The flow of requests grew steadily stronger, as readers wanted to obtain as much information as possible about the availability of power systems, models and accessories for jet flying. At that time we generally had no option but to answer in the negative, because even the major model fairs attracted no more than a handful of specialist manufacturers and dealers.

From this situation we began to think the following: surely it must be possible to gather together all the important manufacturers and distributors of power systems, models and accessories from all over Europe if we organised a sales and display event over an extended weekend (three days), combined with facilities for demonstrating models and power systems at the same time. The first requirement was a centrally located airfield which could reliably be barred to full-size aviation on these three days. The second necessity was to keep the financial burden on the exhibitors as low as possible. Thirdly we had to arrange a sophisticated infrastructure, including camping facilities, showers, toilets and a hangar which could be converted into a canteen for congenial evening celebrations.

Winfried Ohlgart, initiator of the Fair and Editor of JetPower magazine, spent almost two years working on this idea, and eventually found the perfect partner in the form of the Aeroclub Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler at the Bengener Heide airfield. This is a commercial airfield with a 600 metre long runway, located directly on the A 61 between Cologne and Koblenz, and it was no problem to ring-fence the site for three days. All the infrastructure requirements were also fulfilled at this location. The town of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler and its Tourist Office were quickly won over for this event. A display marquee 20 x 40 metres in area was to be erected right at the site, and the smaller of the two aircraft hangars would be converted into a canteen which could provide shelter and sustenance by day, but which could be the centre for high-spirited celebrations on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Part of the large hangar was to be used to accommodate the demonstration models.

The first task was to complete a wealth of preparations and agreements, but eventually everything was in place. Massive advertising on posters, on the Internet, in the local press, radio and television, as well as in the national and international modelling press, ensured that the event was brought to the attention of a wide circle of interested spectators as well as the modelling public, and this extraordinary specialist fair was under way. Finally, in September 2003, the first JetPower Fair opened its gates and proved to be a solid success. By the following year - 2004 - it was clear that interest was already steadily rising.