Despite the forecasted inclement weather, 36 pilots registered and enjoyed a fantastic day of flying. A large raffle and auction, featuring several new in-the-box aircraft and other high-quality prizes, significantly boosted raffle ticket sales and donations. The event united model aviation enthusiasts and the community, demonstrating their commitment to supporting cancer research and patient services through shared passion and generosity.
This event continues to be an outstanding success because of the time and dedication of those who not only participate but also help to organize and operate it. Please consider joining us this year on June 6 to help us grow this worthwhile event!
Bill Spencer shared that the Champaign County Radio Control Club (CCRCC) in Champaign, Illinois, supports the next generation of engineers and pilots.
On a cold winter morning in central Illinois, students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Design/Build/Fly (DBF) team gathered at CCRCC’s flying field, with snow still edging the runway. Guided by faculty advisor and CCRCC member Professor Jason Merret, they prepared for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) DBF Competition.
Despite weeks of poor flying weather, the team pressed on. With shovels in hand, they cleared pavement and readied their second prototype for the 2026 banner-towing and passenger mission. Soon, the aircraft lifted into the winter air, rewarding months of effort with valuable flight data and renewed confidence.
The day captured the essence of DBF: perseverance, teamwork, and innovation in action. CCRCC is proud to support these talented students, helping inspire the next generation of engineers and aviators while strengthening the connection between model aviation and STEM education.
If you are looking for events to attend this summer, you might want to consider the 2026 National Fun Fly at the AMA International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. The event will take place Thursday, June 25, through Sunday, June 28. There will be open flying, a swap shop, vendors, and more. Go to modelaircraft.org/funflyand register to attend. For more information, contact Randy Cameron by email at flyrc@modelaircraft.org.
In the coming month, some model aviators across the US will experience an increase in Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) as the country hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. While events such as this bring excitement and global attention, they also bring expanded airspace security measures that will directly affect many AMA clubs and individual pilots.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a unique challenge. Unlike previous tournaments that have been hosted in a single country with centralized venues, World Cup matches will be played across multiple US cities, including in our district at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Each match has the potential to trigger short-term, event-based TFRs, often extending well beyond the immediate area of a stadium. For model aviation clubs that are located near host cities, this might result in interruptions to normal flying activities throughout the course of the tournament.
Early communication is key, but with planning, cooperation, and support, the model aviation community can continue to thrive. Clubs outside of the TFR areas can take proactive roles by welcoming pilots from the affected areas.
To see your club in print, send me pictures and a short article. Email it to amadistrictvi@modelaircraft.org. Keep in mind that the pictures must be at least 500 KB stand-alone JPG files.