With Christmas just a short time away, this month, I want to showcase a letter that I received from Todd and Heather Powell of the Fairborn Flying Aces RC Club in Fairborn, Ohio. Last year, they were able to educate the general public on the proper way to handle drones that were received as Christmas presents. Most of the general public might not know about the FAA requirements for flying drones, which can give recreational modelers a bad rap with the federal government. The club also acquired several new members because of the information they shared on their various Facebook pages. Take it away, Heather!
Harnessing the Power of Facebook: The Fairborn Flying Aces RC Club has discovered a game-changing way to promote the exciting world of RC flying: Facebook local community groups, such as Fairborn Communicates, Fairborn Friends and Neighbors, and Fairborn Ohio News and Events, to name a few examples. By leveraging this powerful platform, our club has successfully attracted new members year-over-year, creating a vibrant and engaged community. These groups allow us to share information about upcoming events and open houses, connect with pilots new to the hobby and fellow RC enthusiasts, and make it easier than ever to stay informed and involved. Consider Facebook the new announcement bulletin board.
Our Own Facebook Group: Fairborn Flying Aces RC Club is a hub for all things RC—from planes and drones to helicopters and trucks. We regularly post updates about upcoming events, not only for our club but for any clubs that share their event flyer with us, as well as information on open training and club activities—such as meetings—to ensure that our members never miss out on the action. This active online presence has been instrumental in showcasing the latest in RC technology and inspiring new hobbyists to join our ranks.
Additionally, we provide valuable educational content about AMA and its safety guidelines and about FAA rules and regulations—particularly for those near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and other nearby airports. By joining our club, members gain access to a wealth of knowledge from experienced hobbyists and can participate in various activities that are designed to be fun and safe for all ages.
Our club Facebook group and the cross-communication across our local community has made it possible to reach a wider audience, fostering a sense of community and encouraging families to spend quality time together. Other clubs can learn from our success by embracing Facebook local community groups to promote their own activities and grow their membership with both new and experienced pilots, as well as provide a safe place for the community to come and watch model airplanes.
Thank you to Todd and Heather for this important information. Educating the general public about the proper ways to safely fly our aircraft is always of paramount importance. Have a safe and happy holiday season!