Alan Friedman
Swapmeets, Fun Fly contests, flying and socializing fill the winter schedule at the Casa Grande RC Flyers field across from the shooting range in Casa Grande. The club contest director, Jerry Linderman, schedules fun fly events that are not only fun for pilots but also enjoyable for the spectators. People come from all over the valley to attend these events. Everyone enjoys the food service at the field, too. Both early morning breakfast items and lunch time treats are served. Flying can be viewed every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning during the winter, but the second Saturday of each month is truly special. Free parking, toilet facilities and hobby shop vendors are at these events as well as individuals wanting to sell or trade their gear.
The pilots fly all kinds of model aircraft. One Saturday we saw helicopters, sailplanes, jets, biplanes and regular fixed wing models flown. Roy Johnson, a Robson Ranch resident, recently flew his quad “first person view” helicopter and took photos of the field from the helicopter. A “first person view” (FPV) aircraft is one where the pilots can view the flight as if he or she is actually sitting in the model. The FPV devices use micro cameras, which transmit a live video to the pilot who is wearing special goggles, or sends the video to a small monitor on the ground.
Robson Ranch residents attending the club events are always welcome. Residents should remember to bring a lawn chair as usually 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. Some residents reported going to the Robson field in error when trying to attend Casa Grande RC Flyers events. Directions to the Casa Grande RC Flyers field are found 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 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 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 for other area AMA clubs. Club members also receive discounts up to 20% on purchases from area hobby suppliers when their membership card is presented.
The Casa Grande RC Flyers is an Arizona non-profit cooperation dedicated to exposing the joy of flying to the public and giving back to the community by supporting worthwhile charities. For more information about the club contact Alan Friedman, the club president, at his Robson Ranch home, or visit the club website: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.