The award presented to the club by the AMA in recognition of their efforts and the funds that they raised at last summer’s National Model Aviation Day event. The club plans on holding such an event again this year.
Alan Friedman, left, presenting both cash and donated food items to a representative of the Casa Grande Food Bank after a fundraiser benefiting their organization.
The club field taken from the air at a recent Saturday flying session.
Alan Friedman
Each year the Casa Grande RC Flyers, the only Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) club within 25 miles of Robson Ranch, donates money to charities. Funds and items are collected through donations from members and visitors to the events at the club field. Part of the club’s charter is to give back to this community and to charities everywhere as well as promote interest in model aircraft flight.
This year the board of directors of the Casa Grande RC Flyers decided to support three charities, two local and one national. The charities for the club’s 2015-2016 season are the same as last year and include The Casa Grande Food Bank, The Valley Humane Society and The Wounded Warrior Project. The club will also allow area churches and other non-profit organizations who are properly licensed to sell food and beverages at club air shows, fun fly contests and other events, as a fundraiser. All club events would benefit charities.
Now at 135 members, which include many Robson Ranch residents, the club is one of the largest and most active 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.