Club Vice President Ron St. Pierre (in blue) getting his helicopters ready for flight at the club’s helicopter table and pad.
Club members standing at the field flight stations flying their aircraft.
Alan Friedman
The Casa Grande RC Flyer finished the 2014-2015 winter season with 134 members. The club officers attributed the growth and success of the club to its full season of activities and involvement in the local community. The club supports local and national charities and businesses and has a full menu of activities in the winter months, which includes swap meets and flying contests.
The Casa Grande RC Flyers is the only Academy Of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned club within 35 miles of Robson Ranch now that the Robson club decided to no longer affiliate with the AMA. Last month the Casa Grande RC Flyers returned to its summer flying schedule, which will continue until next November. The club members can fly and use the field 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 can 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. Robson Ranch residents are always welcome. 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 flying area located within Robson Ranch. Directions to the Casa Grande RC Flyers field are found on the club website at www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.
Although the number of club members flying during the summer is considerably fewer than in the winter months, club members still enjoy flying and each other’s company. Many of the club members go to their summer homes, and several of the club’s full-time residents travel during the summer months, which explains the lower numbers at the field.
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 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 sharing the joy of flying with 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.