The 2013 IRCHA Helicopter Jamboree has come and gone, but that event will be in my memory for years to come. I got to the AMA headquarters on July 28th, ( a couple days before the event was scheduled to start)  got my camping permit, and proceeded to the area where IRCHA was to take place.

Not many people were there, and most of those who were there at that time were working on setting up vendor/sponsor`s tents. By Tuesday, there were a hundred people or so, who had made their way in, and there was a small amount of flying going on here and there.

I met up with my friend Randy (Elkmaster on the forums) and we got a flight or two in before the madness set in and flight stations got hart to get to. I was shaking like a leaf during my whole first flight. Not because I was afraid to fly, but because of where I was flying. IRCHA! Sure...I have attended 20+ events with three of them being the Orlando Helicopter Blowout, but this was my very first time attending IRCHA. The super bowl of helicopter fun flies.

The event officially got underway on Wednesday, July 31, and the fun kicked into gear. The first couple of days were pretty much open flying, and on Friday, there were demo flights being done by Team TSA, Goblin, Gaui, Align and several other teams. Saturday, was the Mikado power hour demo session, with lots of V-Bar controllers and other prizes being given out.

The one competition was outstanding, and all of the contestants put on one heck of a performance but it was Kyle Dahl who took home the gold. The auto rotation contest was taken by none other than Raja Bortcosh. I have never seen Raja lose an auto contest. He accepted the first place plaque, but asked that the first place prize be bumped down to the second place entry. Not many people would be willing to do that.

I had the pleasure of meeting several of my facebook friends who until now, I had only communicated with on the computer. One of those friends, was Mr. Robert Gorham. It was such an honor to meet a living legend in the RC helicopter community. He is a very nice and sincere person, who really values his friends. Robert, if you`re reading this....You`re awesome :)

Jeff Dunham, was also there. He is a very nice person too, and was happy to autograph a copy of RC heli pilot for me, which he was featured in and pose for a photo with me. I really enjoy his shows, and it was a privilege to meet his as well.

With all of that going on, I was still able to build and fly my brand new TSA 600N helicopter. Thank you, Nigel for helping with the build to get me on the flight line that much faster.

The night flights on Sunday night were incredible. There were eight contestants, and Bobby Watts took the first place spot with a performance you would have to experience to believe.

The end of the 2013 IRCHA JAMBOREE came with an awesome fireworks display which lasted for what seemed like an hour. I hated to see it all end, and to have to say good bye to all of my friends/team mates. But I walked away from it with lots of new friends, quality time spent with old friends, and the anticipation of being able to do it all over again next year. 

Photos from the 2013 IRCHA JAMBOREE can be found in the "Event Photos" photo gallery. Just click the link at the top of the page and enjoy.