Dennis Linsday with his Slow Stick Bi-Plane aircraft
Jerry Linderman, left, and Ron St Pierre flying model aircraft on a Saturday morning
Alan Friedman
The Casa Grande RC Flyers, the only Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) club within 25 miles of Robson Ranch, added a fifth board member recently. Dennis Linsday, a model flyer for many years, agreed to serve on the board of directors bringing the total number of board members to five. He also became the club’s ninth certified flight instructor. The club instructors offer free lessons on both a flight simulator and with the club owned training aircraft. The training aircraft uses a “buddy box” control system, which allows an experienced pilot to take control of the training aircraft on a moment’s notice should the student pilot get into difficulties. The other board members include Alan Friedman, Ron St Pierre, Bob Little and Arvin Van Ry.
Now at 135 members, which include many Robson Ranch residents, the Casa Grande RC Flyers is one of the largest and most active AMA clubs in the valley. 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. 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.