Casa Grande RC Flyers board plans future

Robson Ranch residents and other guests watching the flying at the club field in Casa Grande.

Robson Ranch residents and other guests watching the flying at the club field in Casa Grande.

A guest checking out the retail vendors and food vendor at a Casa Grande RC Flyers event

A guest checking out the retail vendors and food vendor at a Casa Grande RC Flyers event

Radio controlled enthusiasts looking at items for sale at a Casa Grande RC Flyers swap meet

Radio controlled enthusiasts looking at items for sale at a Casa Grande RC Flyers swap meet

Alan Friedman

The Board of Directors of the Casa Grande RC Flyer recently held a lunch meeting in the Tack Room at Robson Ranch and discussed the club’s future plans. As the only Academy Of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned club within 25 miles of Robson Ranch, the Casa Grande RC Flyers is responsible for promoting interest in model aircraft flight in this area of the valley. The main items discussed were the holding of another air show and other events during the next winter season. The last air show had record attendance and was extremely well received by the public and area flyers. Expert pilots were recruited to display their skills with both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Their stunts were breathtaking. Also free “first person view” airplane rides were offered. The event benefitted the Casa Grande Food Bank. Also discussed was a change in the Fun Fly format. The club is looking to increase the participation at their Fun Fly events by making the contests simpler for beginning pilots to enter and offering prizes to the winners using a point system, which rewards people for just trying.

Club members can fly and use the field any day they desire; however, those looking for the company of fellow flyers tend to fly on Saturday mornings over the summer months. Because of the heat, flying usually starts about one hour after sunrise and finishes two hours later on most Saturdays. Visitors are welcome to watch the pilots fly all kinds of model aircraft including helicopters, sailplanes, jets, biplanes, and regular fixed wing models. The club members also enjoy answering questions from visiting guests. There are benches at the club field, free parking and toilet facilities. The Casa Grande RC Flyers club and their flying field should not be confused with club or the flying area located within Robson Ranch. Directions to the Casa Grande RC Flyers field are found on the club web: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.

Membership in the Casa Grande RC Flyers is open to anyone wanting to fly or learn to fly radio controlled aircraft regardless of their residence. No experience is needed as free lessons are offered by any of eight AMA certified instructors. Membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is required however, because AMA membership provides the pilot with the free insurance coverage. Details about the AMA and the Casa Grande RC Flyers are on the club website as well as a list of all club activities and other area AMA club activities. Club members also receive discounts on purchases from some hobby suppliers when their membership card is presented. The Casa Grande RC Flyers is an Arizona non-profit corporation dedicated to sharing the joy of flying with the public. They give back to the community by supporting worthwhile charities. For more information about the club, contact Alan Friedman, the club president and AMA District 10 associate Vice President, at his Robson Ranch home or visit the club web site: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.