Jason Somes...

[JAS]

This year has not been kind to our full-scale brothers. With air show losses to numerous to count and now the 3 fatalities and the hospitalization of our fellow modeler and member, Jason Somes, at the Reno Air Races, this is one year many of us would wish could have been different.For those of you who don’t know Jason Somes, he is an awesome RC and Full-Scale pilot as well as an all around great guy. I’ve seen him at jet events, usually flying borrowed jets, and putting on incredible performances. I’ve seen him at the Joe-Nall flying warbirds and anything else not strapped down. Top Gun he’s been seen competing and doing demonstrations with jets… you name it, Jason wanted to fly it.

I had the pleasure of traveling with Jason to Antigua for an airshow back in 2004. Whether we were hanging out at the bar, lounging at the beach, eating out on the town, or preparing for the show at the field, Jason was always making sure that the group was having a good time. I was reading some of the online news articles about his accident and found something that truly is a Somes moment in the RGJ.com article:
"He was joking with (paramedics) as we were transporting him, so he was in pretty good spirits," said Alan Tom, special events coordinator for REMSA.”
Even in his time of pain, he was making sure that the moment was lightened up in his own special way.

Jason enjoys the full scale racing events, as you can see from his website, http://www.jasonairracing.com/home.htm , and even worked with Cermark to kit a 50-size version of his Alley Cat for modelers. He had his racing Alley Cat on display at the LA Hobby Expo a few years back, which was the first time I had seen an F1 racer in person. With Jason’s extensive modeling knowledge, the following clip from the Ventura County Star online article doesn’t surprise me:
“Hubler's plane apparently clipped the back of Somes' plane before crashing. Somes was able to land his damaged aircraft, race officials said.
"Jason's incredible pilot skills saved his life," said Ken Gottschall of Oxnard, a pilot and longtime friend. In the collision, the canopy of Somes' plane came off and hit him in the face, his friends said.
"There were huge pieces of his aircraft missing," Gottschall said.”

Jason’s love for airplanes big and small is undeniable. I personally want to wish him a speedy and full recovery, as I know all the Giants members do as well.

Jason Shulman

[G limit]

Well put, Wolfman!! I too know Jason fairly well, and your post says it all. Thanks!
Old Dawg

[pbrantuas]

Thanks for the post JAS. I personally don't know Jason Somes, but he sure sounds like someone I'd like to call a friend.

Pedro.

[wizard]

Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for Jason. Also prayers for those that were lost and their families.

[TimDavie]

I just got back from Reno. i was 10 minutes late to see the F1 collission, but heard it sounded like a loud car door slam and then major flutter for Jason during his descent to the runway.

I have a permanent image however of Brad Morehouse's L-39 going into the ground Thursday right in front of us at 450+ mph. I went to the races this year in "Violated", an L-39 owned by Cliff Magee, and was part of a 2 man pit crew. We were pitted right next to Brad and his crew. A very somber moment to say the least and thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. 3 days and 3 fatalaties. I agree, not a good year for Reno.
- Tim

[Andy540T]

I personally could not have put it better. I have known Jason for the better part of a decade and quite frankly I could not believe what I was reading yesterday after it happened. I am just glad he is ok and will be heading home soon.

[50%plane]

Good post JAS! I hope Jason Somes has a speedy recovery as my prayers go out to the folks who've died this week.


50%

[bosshoss]

It's cool that you can make light of it, Godspeed, and tell us the story when you heal up, Jason.

[Boulder]

Thanks for the article Jason, well written and heartfelt.

I'd like to join our FG family in wishing Jason a speedy and full recovery and also to ask for God's blessings to the families of the pilots that were lost, a very somber year for racing.

[GremlinX]

Sounds like a great guy in life in general. Prayers go out from this house... well put.

[Rockoflyer]

I have mat Jason at alot of the rc convention I work at he has always been a great guy that great you with a handshake and a big smile.I wish him the best and a quick recovery.

[Toro]

I personally have hung around with Jason, and he is incredible. Kind of a cool story about his aviation carreer. Jason is based out of Van Nuys, and you always know when he was up because he comes flying over head in that big OL T6, and does the coolest wing rock over the RC field. Did you guys see the aviator ? He was in there flying the big hughes racer (the silver one). I'm always amazed @ his flying, and the coolest thing, is the SOMES STANCE and leg shake. Wide legs, and his right leg always moving when hes flying RC.