River City Radio Controllers 3.02

The River City Radio Controllers, was formed in the early 1970’s and operate from “Bill Fluke Field” on the western edge of E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky. The club is currently comprised of approximately 175 radio control pilots who are licensed by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The River City Radio Controllers is proud to be AMA Gold Leader Club #1263.

All rc pilots must be current members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and display their AMA card while flying at our airfield. Guests and beginners are always welcomed but you must be a member of River City Radio Controllers (RCRC) to have full regular access to the airfield and facilities. Visitors and spectators are always welcomed any time the front gate is open.

Pilots fly helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with electric, glow fuel, or gasoline motors. Throughout the year, the club has fun-fly events that anyone may attend for free. The flying field is available to RCRC members 7 days a week from 10 am until dark (weather permitting).

Facilities
• We have a 500 ft x 50 ft paved runway with an adjacent grass runway.
• Dedicated helicopter flying field.
• Shelter area with solar powered battery charging station and grills for cooking.
• Bleachers for spectators.
• Large gravel parking lot.
• Porta-Pot restroom.

Aircraft
The aircraft are flown with radio control systems within pre-defined boundaries of the airfield. There are nearly as many different models of radio controlled planes as there are full scale planes. Some of the more popular aircraft include WWI and WWII scale models, civilian scale, aerobatic scale, aerobatic 3D (extreme aerobatic), turbine jets, electric ducted fan jets, electric and glow helicopters, and extreme flight 3D helicopters. There are other fun fly aircraft that perform during the show including a candy drop for children.

Aircraft Size and Speed
Airplanes and helicopters range in size from ultra-micros, which have about a 10 inch wingspan, to aircraft with wingspans greater than 9 feet. Most planes fly between 35 and 75 mph but some may exceed 100 mph. Helicopters are also able to fly at extreme speeds and fly extreme aerobatics well beyond what is capable in a full-scale helicopter.

Aircraft Cost
The cost of a helicopter or airplane is usually related to size and complexity. Most airplanes range from $400 to several thousand dollars. However, beginner electrics may start as low as $100 for those looking to get started in the hobby.

Learn To Fly
So how do I get started in radio controlled flying? That is a question we hear a lot. At RCRC, we believe you should be able to “try before you buy”, so we encourage beginners to contact our club president (Doug Bailey) who will arrange for a person from our club to provide training. This allows you to fly with the safety-net of an experienced pilot that can automatically take the controls from you if things start to go south! This is a great way to test the waters of RC before diving in!