8\/27\/2026
\nHi all!<\/p>\n
National Model Aviation Day has come and gone and by most measures I would call it a success! I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped out with planning, logistics, set up and running of the event. We had great participation with over 50 club members showing up and keeping the sky filled with planes. Spectator attendance was approximately 150-200 in my estimation. Approximately 150 meals were sold. <\/p>\n
We’ve put up a slideshow on the website that chronicles the different types of flying our club demonstrated last Saturday. AMA and Model Airplane magazine are interested in our story and have asked for written copy to possibly use in their next publications.<\/p>\n
Coming up in September are two events, a swap meet September 13th, and the Big Bird Fun Fly, September 22. I hope to see all of you at those events.<\/p>\n
Finally, a Cliff Claven factoid: Yesterday was the last day where the sun sets later than 8pm for the year. To quote Game of Thrones -“Winter is coming…..”<\/p>\n
See you at the field.<\/p>\n
Charly<\/p>\n
8\/20\/2026
\nGreetings!<\/p>\n
The final preparations for National Model Aviation Day are underway. Tim Kunath will be arriving on Friday and we plan on club flying well into the evening with a possible kum-by-ya fellowship around the campfire later. Some Friday and Saturday night lighted night flying is a distinct possibility. <\/p>\n
I would like to thank all who have signed up to help out on Saturday. I believe this event will have a huge turn out. The actual flying schedule is loosely based on our “acts” with fill in general flying in between. “Our” helicopter will be arriving around 10:30 (NO PLANES IN THE SKY) with subsequent demos throughout the day. Kunath will be headlining the day with multiple solo flights and possibly some formation flying. The weather forecast looks ideal for the day.<\/p>\n
We have limited space for parking. We have set up signs for Pilot parking and spectator parking. Theo Hokanson is the Parking General and will direct traffic. Watch out, you don’t want to PO Theo (He has a short fuse HA!)🤣. We have arranged for overflow parking in the church parking lot across 101. For those of you that are attending but not flying, might I ask that you consider parking at the church to allow for more spectator parking space. If you are bringing static display planes, feel free to unload per usual and again consider parking remotely.<\/p>\n
We will be moving the setup tables to the pit area to allow more shade under the tin roof for spectators. Those who wish to put up canopies, I ask that you put them up south of the lean-to inside of the fence. <\/p>\n
There will be a generator running the entire day with a series of multi plugs available for ac battery chargers. My trailer will also be available for battery charging with 8 ports available.<\/p>\n
Lastly, KSTP channel 5 will be broadcasting a feature of our event tomorrow at 9am, Morning Live. I hope I don’t sound like a dork! BTW… the club will receive $175 from AMA for the media exposure.<\/p>\n
I hope to see all 195 club members this week!<\/p>\n
Regards,
\nCharly<\/p>\n
7\/16\/2026
\nWell…. Summer is half over and the weather has heated up so much, things are smoking! I find it amazing how fast the time goes these days.<\/p>\n
There are a few things to go over:<\/p>\n
This Saturday, July 18th, ACRC is having a Big Bird Fly. The pilot meeting starts at 09:30, flying starts at 10 AM.<\/p>\n
Next Saturday, July 25th, Grassfield is hosting its 5th annual Jet (sort of) Fun-Fly. We changed the format a bit this year as we know many of you do not fly jets. We decided that if you got’em – fly’em. As the song goes “if you can’t be with the one you love honey, love the one you’re with”. In other words… bring a plane to fly and help us have fun. Amongst the many raffle prizes offered, a Horizon Hobby 70mm Viper Jet will be up for grabs.<\/p>\n
For those of you who are ditching that weekend for Oshkosh…. “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt like elderberries”. 😝<\/p>\n
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 22. It is National Model Aviation Day. This year we are adding on to the program. AJ Aircraft sponsored pilot, Tim Kunath will be headlining the day. He is a fantastic pilot that will show us how it’s done! In addition, club member Bill Argyros is tentatively lined up to fly a Robbinson helicopter in and land at the field. The plan is to set up a static display and occasional flight demonstration. We are in the process of lining up other aviation related companies for displays and booths, showcasing how model aviation merges with the tech and aviation industries. We hope to get the same media coverage as last year to attract an even bigger crowd. We urge everyone to show up on that Saturday, help with the event, and keep aircraft in the sky at all times. Per usual, there will be lunch followed by a raffle….If flying goes well into the evening, perhaps dinner…<\/p>\n
Let’s give HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Grassfield members Matt Morley and Cameron DeVries, both who are starting Pilot Training at Delta Air Lines this month. They have made it to the Big Leagues! Good luck to both of you. Study hard and MEMORIZE THOSE FLOWS!<\/p>\n
Now for some kindergarten teacher finger wagging:<\/p>\n
Badge use is getting pretty bad. We are a huge club and for our own survival we need to insure everyone who is flying at the field is a member. We shouldn’t have to continue to preach about this issue. Most of you cannot get into work without a badge… the same applies at Grassfield. If you don’t want to wear the badge, please don’t come out to fly. ‘Nuff said.<\/p>\n
Next: Please pick up after yourself. If you drop the barrier rope at the north side of the field, PLEASE put it back up again. For the third time in 3 weeks, I’ve arrived at the field to find the barrier rope down and the field unattended. Strangely enough that stupid rope discourages “youts” (My Cousin Vinny: Youths) and other equally moronic individuals from driving onto and ripping up our field. Please help us with this. Secondly, please put the tie down straps back in the provided bin so we do not have to pick them up while mowing. As always, be a boy\/girl scout and pick up your own trash as well as other trash, leaving the place better than you found it. Thank you!<\/p>\n
Finally, Thank you all for your environmental diligence. Use of the recycle and battery recycling containers is outstanding!<\/p>\n
Beat the heat, catch some UV and meet you out at the field.<\/p>\n
Blue Skies,
\nCharly<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
8\/27\/2026 Hi all! National Model Aviation Day has come and gone and by most measures I would call it a success! I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped out with planning, logistics, set up and running of…<\/p>\n