Casa Grande RC Flyers prepare for fall

Members come out for a swap meet.

Members come out for a swap meet.

Robson resident Roy Johnson (center) shows off his Quad Helicpoter.

Robson resident Roy Johnson (center) shows off his Quad Helicpoter.

Alan Friedman

The Casa Grande RC Flyers, the only Academy Of Model Aeronautics (AMA) club within 25 miles of Robson Ranch, is getting ready for the fall and winter flying season. Now at 135 members, which includes many Robson Ranch residents, the Casa Grande RC Flyers is one of the largest and most active AMA Clubs in the valley. The club board of directors is scheduling the major club event, which should include an air show, fun fly contests, swap meets and informational meetings. The club is seeking a new food vendor to offer beverages plus breakfast and lunch items at the club events.

Club members have use of the airfield 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. Starting next month the club will move to their fall and winter schedule where organized flying takes place on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings around 9:00 a.m. 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 the club or flying area located within Robson Ranch. Directions to the Casa Grande RC Flyers field are found on the club website: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.

Membership in the club 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 first year club dues are $40 per calendar year, and renewal dues are $25 annually. Membership in the Academy Of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is required because AMA membership provides the pilot with the required liability insurance coverage. Details about both 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 area 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 and giving back to the community. For more information about the club contact Alan Friedman, the club president and AMA Associate District Vice President, at his Robson Ranch home or visit the club website: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.