Model Airplane Club Offers Outdoor Fun at Safe Height and Distance

by Bill Gilbert, President, and Bob Shanks, Newsletter Editor, Chino Valley Model Aviators
We hope this issue finds you all in continued good health and perhaps looking for a new hobby! 
The purpose of our organization is to create an interest in, further the image of, and promote the hobby/sport of radio-controlled model aircraft. The club has been around in some shape or form in the Prescott area since 1985, eventually landing at our current base owned by the Town of Chino Valley.
Local businesses have been allowed to start operations in a limited fashion, with distancing and other precautions. We will resume general meetings for all those interested cautiously, outdoors at the field with 6-foot separation.
In the meantime, make the best of the new normal. We have been busy maintaining and improving the safety of our field at 2025 Santa Fe Trail in Chino Valley. Fire breaks have been mowed in and a fire cart is being pursued. Runway repairs where weeds have pushed through the surface and created blister-like holes have begun. 
The field continues to be open for flying and the weather is warmer, with calmer winds in the morning. We encourage members to come out and enjoy your airplanes and see your friends. 
Remember to check your speed in the air. Each of us are aware of just how fast things can go south in an instant while flying, sometimes for no apparent reason. High-speed runs down the center of the runway are just too close for the comfort of many of us flying. We suggest all high-speed runs be performed at or beyond the north edge of the runway for everyone’s safety. An example of a pilot suddenly losing control and instantaneously crashing happened mid-April at our field far north from the pit area. 
Our organization is happy to be holding events at our field again (subject to weather and other conditions), which will be open to the public: 
Aug. 8: Combat and Delta Wing Pylon Races — Everyone flies the same foam cutout with the same motor, battery and flight package, though markings can vary. We will do eight or 10 laps around two pylons. 
Aug. 28-30: Southwest Region IMAC Shootout — We are hosting an International Miniature Aerobatic Club competition event with our friends at Sun Valley Fliers. This should be a big event with some very skilled pilots, lasting two days. 
Sept. 19: Annual Steve Crow Memorial Fun Fly — One of our biggest events of the year, with raffles, food and drink, demonstrations at the top of the hour and all types of aircraft and flying styles allowed. 
For more information on events or club memberships, visit www.chinovalleymodelaviators.org or our Facebook page. Maintain the recommended health precautions and have fun! See you at the field!
Directions to field: Take Route 89 to Chino Valley, head east on Perkinsville Road, continue for about 3.1 miles, turn left onto Santa Fe Trail, Chino Valley Model Aviators flying field will be the second gate on the right. 
Photo: ERAU Advanced Aeronautical Design class at the field to test their final class project