Above Photo: Photos courtesy of Keith Hall
Aircrafts vary in size from 12 in. to 9 ft.
A hobby is something that should make you feel excited and fulfilled. For the members of the Triple Creek Radio-Controlled Aircraft Club, that seems to be the case. Since 2006, the club has provided RC aircraft enthusiasts the opportunity to fly their crafts. “The exhilaration of watching the plane take off and fly is a great feeling,” said Keith Hall, TCRC President.
The club, which currently has about 135 to140 members, received permission from Hillsborough County to use their current property, which the club has developed into an RC field that’s compared to no other. They are sanctioned by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), a national organization with over 180,000 members.
Located at 12705 Balm Boyette Rd. in Riverview, TCRC has a 350-ft. paved asphalt runway that is 35-ft.wide, a large flat mowed outfield, three taxiways, a large open area for parked aircraft, a covered pit area with work tables and electricity and running water at every station. They also have a spectator area, a kitchen and serving area. Also, if you are a new pilot and are interested in getting started, you can contact a member and they can set up an introductory flight.
According to Hall, members fly pretty much anything radio-controlled, including airplanes, helicopters, EDS jets and drones, otherwise known as quads. Drone operators help out with the search and rescues when an aircraft goes down out in the woods. Aircrafts vary in size from 12 inches long, to up to 9 ft. long. Turbines are not allowed because the field is not big enough for them. Members range in age from 10 to 90-plus.
Most members fly on the weekends for fun and some retired members fly on the weekdays. “It is a real a family atmosphere,” said Hall. On the weekends the club gets a lot of spectators that just want to watch. The club does have trainers, or introductory pilots that can teach people how to fly if they are interested in participating.
According to Hall, costs to get into the hobby are not as much as they used to be. He said that people can get an already assembled airplane and transmitter for a little over $200. Hall suggests going out to a RC field and talk to experts to help guide you in the direction of what your needs are. You need to be a member of the AMA to be able to participate.
For more information, visit www.triplecreekrc.com.
