It is that time of year when the weather is headed into spring and flying season picks back up. It is also time to perform maintenance, repairs, and enhancements to your flying field to provide a safe and friendly environment to have fun flying model airplanes.
Once your field is ready to show off, organize and hold an open house and invite the public to come out and enjoy a day of flying and showing off your flying machines and skills. Have your club trainers ready and food for sale. Be sure to apply for a Take off And Grow (TAG) Grant to help with event expenses.
Dan Magill, the Northern Virginia Radio Control (NVRC) club secretary, sent us this report about NVRC members uniting to build new flight stands.
The NVRC club has once again demonstrated the power of teamwork and dedication by coming together to construct new flight stands for their Poplar Ford Quinn Field flying location. This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to improving facilities for RC pilots, ensuring a more convenient and safer environment for aircraft maintenance and preparation.
NVRC club members, ranging from seasoned builders to newcomers who are eager to contribute, joined forces to design and assemble the new flight stands. The design is based on the "Club Field Safety Benches" article posted on the Model Aviationwebsite (modelaviation.com/Club-Field-Safety-Benches). Members collaborated on blueprints to ensure that the stands meet the needs of various aircraft sizes. Durable pressure-treated wood was chosen for longevity and stability.
Construction day came around and volunteers gathered at Evan Smithgall’s home, where we built all of the flight stands using tools, supplies, and enthusiasm to bring the project to life.
The newly built flight stands were then transported to Poplar Ford Quinn Field to replace the aging stands and will provide many years of service. Padded supports prevent accidental damage to aircraft, and pilots now have a dedicated space for preflight checks and maintenance. The project strengthened camaraderie among NVRC members, reinforcing the club’s welcoming atmosphere.
With the successful completion of this project, NVRC continues to set an example of how a passionate community can enhance the RC flying experience. Whether it’s through infrastructure improvements or mentorship, the club remains a hub for enthusiasts who are eager to share their love for the hobby.
For more details on NVRC’s activities, visit its official website at 1nvrc.com.
Go fly and have fun safely.
