Jasper RC Flyers introduce more than 40 people to radio-controlled flying

*More than 60 community members attended the Jasper RC Flyers Open House on June 20 to learn about radio-controlled aviation and enjoy a morning of family-friendly aviation activities.* **Photos provided.**

More than 60 community members attended the Jasper RC Flyers Open House on Saturday, June 20, where visitors, ranging in age from 4 to adults, experienced the thrill of flying a radio-controlled aircraft for the first time.

Held from 10 a.m. to noon at the club’s flying field, the event focused on giving attendees a hands-on introduction to radio-controlled aviation through the club’s popular buddy-box flight training program.

The buddy-box flights proved to be the highlight of the morning. Four experienced Jasper RC Flyers instructors remained busy throughout the entire two-hour event, providing more than 40 supervised training flights for first-time pilots.

*A first-time pilot takes the controls during a buddy-box training flight. Four Jasper RC Flyers instructors provided more than 40 introductory flights during the two-hour event.*

Using the buddy-box system, instructors maintain control of the aircraft while allowing participants to operate the airplane through a second transmitter. The setup provides a safe and enjoyable introduction to flying, allowing newcomers to experience the excitement of controlling an aircraft in the air while learning basic flight skills.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was seeing people of all ages participate. Young children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents all took turns at the controls, demonstrating that model aviation is truly a hobby that can be enjoyed across generations.

“The buddy-box flights were nonstop all morning,” said club members. “Seeing first-time pilots successfully fly an airplane and leave with a smile is what makes events like this so rewarding. We were especially excited to see so many young people take an interest in aviation.”

In addition to the flight training experiences, children enjoyed decorating and flying chuck gliders. The club distributed 24 gliders during the event, giving young visitors a fun way to learn about the principles of flight and continue the experience at home.

Attendees also had opportunities to win aviation-related prizes donated by Flite Test and HobbyKing. Six prize winners were selected in the morning and received items that support their interest in model aviation.

The Jasper RC Flyers is an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) chartered club dedicated to promoting safe model aviation, aviation education, and fellowship among pilots of all skill levels. The club actively welcomes beginners and provides flight instruction for those interested in learning to fly radio-controlled aircraft.

Club members fly every Tuesday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Jasper RC Flyers flying field. Visitors are always welcome to stop by, meet members, observe flight operations, and learn more about the hobby.

Visitors of all ages, from young children to adults, participated in hands-on aviation activities during the Jasper RC Flyers Open House. The club distributed 24 chuck gliders for attendees to decorate and fly.

The next major event for the club will be its annual Strassenfest Fun Fly on August 1. Pilots from radio-control clubs throughout southern Indiana and the surrounding region will gather in Jasper for a full day of flying, fellowship, and friendly competition as part of the Strassenfest celebration.

The Jasper RC Flyers would like to thank everyone who attended the Open House and extend special appreciation to Flite Test and HobbyKing for their generous prize donations. The club looks forward to continuing its mission of introducing people of all ages to the exciting world of radio-controlled aviation.

For more information about the Jasper RC Flyers, upcoming events, flight training opportunities, or club membership, visit www.jasperrcflyers.org or contact the club at jasperrcflyers@gmail.com.