Casa Grande RC Flyers membership drive

Members getting ready for flying during a typical Tuesday morning at the Casa Grande RC Flyers field

Members getting ready for flying during a typical Tuesday morning at the Casa Grande RC Flyers field

Robson residents and other guests watch the flying at the club’s Saturday events.

Robson residents and other guests watch the flying at the club’s Saturday events.

Casa Grande RC Flyers member Ken Hillery showing his grandson his planes

Casa Grande RC Flyers member Ken Hillery showing his grandson his planes

Area vendors sell radio controlled aircraft and supplies at special club events during the season.

Area vendors sell radio controlled aircraft and supplies at special club events during the season.

Alan Friedman

With membership at 145 as of October 2016, the Casa Grande RC Flyers embarked on its annual membership drive. The club offered individuals who join during the last three months of the year free membership for those months along with their 2017 dues. That’s 15 months for the price of 12. The club’s new member annual dues will increase starting January 1, 2017, but those joining now will be exempt from that increase. The club gave away a complete micro quad helicopter with transmitter, charger, batteries and both a still and video camera to one lucky club member who renewed their membership before December 1, 2016. Renewal dues remain unchanged at only $25. The club expects its membership will continue to grow as more retirees move into the area. The club is the only AMA sanctioned club within 25 miles of Robson Ranch. They have a paved 60’ x 360’ runway, completely paved access roads and many scheduled events. They allow both gas and electric aircraft, and members receive a discount at area hobby shops. The club’s planned radio controlled car track is not expected to increase membership because the club is primarily an airplane club. The car track is just an “extra benefit” for the club’s regular members. The club will hold races at their events, however.

Club members have the gate code and can access the field at any time. Robson residents wanting to watch the club activities can expect to see flying Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings starting at about 9:00 a.m. as well as during the club swap meets and fun fly contests on the second Saturday of each month. Those Saturday events also have food and beverage service, free parking and toilet facilities. Guests can drive to the field on completely paved roads avoiding dust and rocks! A schedule of the events can be seen on their website at www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com. Robson Ranch residents are always welcome. Remember to bring a lawn chair when visiting in case all the benches are occupied. The Casa Grande RC Flyers and their flying field should not be confused with the field and club located within Robson Ranch. Directions to the Casa Grande RC Flyers field are on the club website at 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. Free lessons are offered by any of eight AMA certified instructors. The club even has a training aircraft for new members to use. Membership in the Academy Of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is required because AMA membership provides the pilot with the required insurance. Details about both the AMA and the Casa Grande RC Flyers are on the club website. For more information about the club contact Alan Friedman, the club president and AMA Associate vice president, at his Robson Ranch home or visit the club website: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.