It’s possible to fly an airplane while never leaving the ground, and for the 20 members of the Batavia Radio Control Flying Club, that is their preferred method of flight.
The club dates back to the mid-1970s, founded by Gary Bobzin and the late Bill Rudd, Lloyd Mowers and Don Moynihan.
Until 1999 they flew from the front lawn of Genesee Community College.
The group incorporated in 1980 and moved to several locations until setting up camp 14 years ago on the late Ray Heddon’s field on Randall Road. The field is now owned by Aaron and Colleen Garner, who allow the club to continue to meet and fly there in exchange for maintaining the grounds.
The club meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month during the summer months. Members fly their models on weekends and evenings when weather permits, and spectators and interested individuals are always welcome.
For prospective members interested in joining the club, there is no cost to join until they can safely “solo,” then annual dues are $25.
Cost of a radio control aircraft can start at $100, and many come ready to fly. Many members prefer to buy a kit and build their own aircraft, like Joe Palmer, of Batavia.
A member since 1999, Palmer scratch-built his Extra 300. He said he does his building in the winter and flies in the summer.
A radio control aircraft is the perfect answer to someone who is interested in aviation, but can’t afford the cost of flying a real airplane.
“I always wanted to fly a real one, but it is too expensive,” said Bob Walters, of Le Roy. “I have a son in aviation who works for Calspan, so I’ve always been interested in airplanes.”
He has been a member of the flying club for at least 15 years, he said.
Palmer first joined the club in 1966, then dropped out for 10 years, but got back involved and has been a member ever since.
Board Member Gary Bobzin got interested in aircraft after his wife bought him an hour flight in a warbird at the Geneseo Airshow.
For club president Bob Ray, of Bergen, flying radio control airplanes is a wonderful way to spend quality time with his grandson Ethan, 16.
“The fact I can come out here and fly a plane and I don’t need a license is kind of cool,” Ethan said.
Jay Fisher, treasurer, also got involved to introduce his 14-year-old son to aviation. That was in 1986 and he bought a kit and built the plane in their cellar.
A majority of the members fly fixed wing models, but all types of aircraft are welcome, such as helicopters and new-to-the-market quadcopters. Jet models are also welcome but must fly under specific safety rules. The club also shares its field with drones.
Most models have gasoline engines, but some are all-electric, such as Ken Beach’s Maule, and another uses glow fuel.
Flight instruction is free and the club owns a trainer to teach new pilots.
To become a member of the club, however, a member must have insurance through the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
The club also participates in special activities, such as a hotdog sale fundraiser today, Saturday and Sunday at Batavia Walmart.
On Aug. 18, they will host a fun-fly, in which clubs from throughout the region will be invited. The public is also invited and as many as 100 models could be participating.
Officers of the Batavia Radio Control Flying Club are Bob Ray, president; Jay Ezard, vice president; Dave Swift, secretary; Jay Fisher, treasurer; and Gary Bobzin, board member.
Top photo: Joe Palmer, left, talks with Gary Bobzin during a meeting of the Batavia Radio Control Flying Club Thursday at their field on the land of Aaron and Colleen Garner, formerly Ray Heddon’s field at 6684 Randall Road. All photos by Virginia Kropf.
Bob Walters, of Le Roy, puts a wing on his radio control airplane as he prepares to fly it during a meeting of the Batavia Remote Control Flying Club.
Richard Smith, of Morganville, flies his RV4 radio control airplane at the former Ray Heddon field on Randall Road.
A Chipmunk radio control airplane piloted by Joe Palmer, of Batavia, lands during a meeting Thursday night of the Batavia Radio Control Flying Club.
Bob Ray, president of the Batavia Radio Control Flying Club, starts his Yak 54 with help from his grandson Ethan Thursday night at the former Ray Heddon’s field on Randall Road. The plane has a wingspan of 110 inches and weighs nearly 29 pounds.
