R/C club rejuvenating city park's model air field for expanded fun

RIVER PARK FLYERS: Lynn Brown waits as Ron Mangni, right, demonstrates his piloting skills with model aircraft at the radio/control air park inside Anderson River Park.

When club membership increased from eight to 25 members just since October, the Anderson River Park Flyers devided to refurbish a landing strip near Dodson Lane and show off their new modelers air park and flying skills at an upcoming fun-fly event tentatively planned for April, 2010.

The City of Anderson has already recognized the club and provided its members with tree trimming and other landscaping assistance for some time. Club president Doug Eaton, an original member of the club when the air park was first constructed in the 1980s, has plans to beautify this remote clearing at the river park.

More than $25,000 of improvements to the air park reside on Eaton's to-do list. So far, members of the group have cleaned the air park field, installed irrigation and planted grass. The group also plans to re-asphalt the flying field, install picnic tables and fencing as well as create a graveled parking lot.

Provided that a club member has unlocked a gate to the air park, anyone with a license to fly model aircraft through the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) may use the air park from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. The air park, already approved and insured by the AMA, provides a safe, legal place to fly either gas- or electric-powered remote-controlled air craft, Eaton said.

New members can learn to fly a trainer aircraft with the assistance of a club veteran who, should the aircraft get out of control, can take over the controls through a linked remote controller. It takes from five to ten flying hours to become competent enough to fly on one's own, Eaton said.

One of the club's newest members, Redding resident Lynn Brown, a former policeman, said he has had 30 surgeries since a motorcycle accident. The flying, he said takes his mind off his nagging injuries.

"(It's a) great hobby, very therapeutic," said. "When I get a plane up there, I can't think about the pain."

Brown first purchased a trainer model, then two more aircraft that he brought to fly on Dec. 4.

With recent improvements in battery technology, "buy and fly" electric aircraft can be purchased for about $219, according to club member Ron Magni.

Club dues to become a member of the Anderson River Park Flyers run $25 per year. AMA licensing adds $58 per year and includes liability insurance, Eaton said.

For more information about the Anderson River Park Flyers, contact Eaton at 209-3786.