Ron St. Pierre preparing his unique “kite” airplane prior to a flight and enjoying a great morning at the club field
Jerry McDonald getting his plane ready for flight using one of the clubs “starting” tables
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 purpose 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 met at Robson Ranch and decided to support three local charities. The charities for the club’s 2016-2017 season include The Casa Grande Food Bank, The Valley Humane Society and The Dorothy Powell Senior Center. 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 without charge. All club events will benefit charities.
Now at 144 members, which include many Robson Ranch residents and entering its fourth year at the city leased field location, 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 many Saturdays, weather permitting. Strong wind is the most common deterrent. 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 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 who provide excellent training using the clubs trainer aircraft or flight simulator. Membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is required because the AMA membership provides the pilot with the required insurance coverage. Details about both the AMA and the Casa Grande RC Flyers as well as a list of all the club activities are on the club website: www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com or can be obtained by contacting Alan Friedman, the club president and AMA Associate Vice President, at his Robson Ranch residence.