On October 15, with the conclusion of the Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational, the "GoerTek Cup 2018 National Model Aircraft Open (Rongcheng Station) and Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational" also drew to a successful close.
From October 10 onward, this event featured a series of exciting competitions including the National Model Aircraft Open (Rongcheng Station), the Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational, the "Blue Sky Flying Dreams" Youth Simulated Flight Competition, and the Educational Drone Research Invitational. With a cumulative audience of over 100,000 visitors, the event not only delighted aviation enthusiasts but also sparked industry reflection on future technological innovation in the aviation sector.
Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational Concludes to Widespread Praise
On the afternoon of the 15th, the three-day Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational came to an end, with participants bidding a reluctant farewell to the venue. The organizing committee announced the competition results: Germany’s Team Jet Cat claimed the championship, while the UK’s Reds Duo and Germany’s Elster Jet Team secured second and third places respectively. A team representative from Team Jet Cat shared: “Our team performed consistently well throughout the competition, and we were all confident about winning the title beforehand.” Prior to the event, they conducted brief test flights, and Rongcheng’s comfortable environment helped them quickly adapt to the venue, resulting in excellent teamwork during the competition.
This edition of the Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational was full of surprises. Beyond the impressive performances by seasoned pilots, the biggest highlight was the German Horizon Jet Team Kids. The two young competitors, Nick and Maurice—aged 10 and 11 respectively—were the youngest participants in the event. Their fearless determination and unique formation routines not only earned thunderous applause from the audience but also garnered praise from rival teams. The International Jet Model Formation Masters (IJFM), one of the most influential jet model events globally, made its Asian performance debut with this team, adding further excitement to the competition. Yao Junchen, Secretary-General of the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, remarked: “Introducing turbine jet formation flying to this event not only enhances its technological appeal but also creates an electrifying atmosphere that captivates both experts and general audiences alike.”
Mr. Liu, a local resident who followed the event closely, echoed Yao’s summary: “As someone who just enjoys the spectacle, it wasn’t just a thrilling competition—it showed the passion and dedication people have for what they love. Watching the competitors focus so intensely was truly inspiring.”
Exciting Competitions and Activities Captivate All Senses
The National Model Aircraft Open took place on October 10–11 at Rongcheng’s Sakura Lake Sports Park. As the first event to kick off, it attracted 30 elite pilots from across the country. A high-skill outdoor sport where “three parts are aerial action and seven parts ground preparation,” the two-day competition featured the F4J radio-controlled turbine jet aerobatics event. The spacious venue offered ample room for showcasing talent, and ultimately, Yang Liu from Henan Province claimed the top spot.
The “Blue Sky Flying Dreams” Youth Simulated Flight Competition, held from October 13–15, brought together nearly 50 elementary and secondary school participants nationwide. True to its mission of enhancing youth STEM education and nurturing future aviation innovators, the event improved students’ hand-eye coordination, quick decision-making skills, and mastery of basic flight operations through simulated flying.
The Educational Drone Research Invitational was another “blue sky feast” prepared for young participants. Blending technology, engineering, mathematics, art, and programming knowledge, the event introduced smart and internet-connected innovations while incorporating DIY concepts. It enhanced hands-on skills and exploratory spirit among youth, allowing them to experience the thrill of flying.
Throughout the event, alongside the competitions, attendees also enjoyed a delectable seafood food carnival and a romantic coastal international hot air balloon cultural festival. With 70 booths spread across a 2,500-square-meter food area, a wide array of Rongcheng specialties and fresh seafood ensured visitors were treated not only to thrilling competitions but also to satisfying culinary experiences. The international hot air balloon cultural festival complemented the characteristics of Sakura Lake Sports Park, merging global performance art with local culture to deliver yet another visual spectacle.
Event Concludes Successfully with Expanded Impact
The "GoerTek Cup 2018 National Model Aircraft Open (Rongcheng Station) and Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational" marks another major aviation event in Rongcheng following last year’s inaugural National Aviation Carnival. This year’s edition elevated the program by introducing turbine jet formation flying for the first time, achieving significant upgrades in scale, specifications, and participant numbers compared to 2017. Yao Junchen noted in an interview that the competition garnered widespread attention from industry insiders, media, and the general public. Model aircraft events, with their openness and inclusiveness, are increasingly becoming China’s most impactful platform for aviation technology innovation. They also help raise national aviation awareness, establish a grassroots foundation for civil aviation, and drive advancements in aircraft manufacturing. He added that the society plans to organize more such events in the future, using comprehensive and professional aviation outreach to promote technological innovation in the domestic aviation industry.
The host city of Rongcheng also regained the spotlight for its picturesque competition environment. Wang Jijing, Vice Mayor of Rongcheng Municipal Government, stated that the city has long emphasized aviation science education. Currently, all over 50 regular primary and secondary schools in Rongcheng offer aviation education courses, with several designated as provincial-level or higher aviation specialty schools. “The GoerTek Cup 2018 National Model Aircraft Open (Rongcheng Station) and Turbine Jet Masters Formation Invitational” returning to Rongcheng will significantly boost the city’s overall visibility and spur development in related industries. Especially with this year’s introduction of an international-grade turbine jet formation invitational, the event has drawn the attention of global aviation enthusiasts, high-end sports fans, and supporting industries—offering Rongcheng a prime opportunity to showcase itself to the world.