The following was written by District IV Associate Vice President Winston Brown.
For many RC pilots across central North Carolina, the start of a new flying season doesn’t begin on the runway—it begins at a folding table, surrounded by balsa kits, airplanes, well-used engines, and conversations that pick up where last year left off.
That sense of tradition was on full display when the Triad Aeromodelers, Inc., in Lexington, North Carolina (triadaero.net), hosted its 28th Annual RC Swap Meet on March 14 at the Davidson County Fairgrounds in Lexington. Contest Director Mark Fansler, along with several club members, ran the swap meet, which took place from 8 a.m. to noon. The event once again marked an early season gathering point for builders, fliers, collectors, and newcomers to the hobby. They did a great job assisting vendors with loading and unloading items, making it quicker for set up and teardown.
Inside of the fairgrounds, rows of tables were filled with RC airplanes, engines, electronics, kits, and parts—some were brand new, while others showed the marks of many successful flights. For longtime hobbyists, the swap meet offered a chance to thin out workshops and pass along equipment to new owners. For newer pilots, it was an opportunity to find affordable gear while learning directly from experienced modelers.
Admission to the event was $10, with wives and children admitted free. Food concessions, including breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, and coffee, kept attendees lingering long after purchases were made. Door prizes and raffle drawings added to the sense of occasion that has become a hallmark of this annual event.
Hosted by an AMA chartered club, the Triad Aeromodelers RC Swap Meet is more than just a marketplace; it reflects the social side of a hobby often practiced alone at workbenches and flying fields. Conversations ranged from engine tuning and building techniques to stories of past models and favorite flying sites, underscoring the community that keeps RC aviation thriving year after year.
The Lexington swap meet also signaled the beginning of the busy 2026 season, with additional swap meets, fly-ins, and competitions planned by RC clubs throughout the district in the months ahead. For many, however, the Triad Aeromodelers event remains a familiar and welcome ritual—one that blends nostalgia, craftsmanship, and the shared anticipation of another year in the air.
Go fly and have fun safely.