Lakefield Herald Special Report

Taking to the skies in Young’s Point

by Anita Locke

Members of the Young’s Point Radio Control Flying Club (YPRCFC) are a group of aviation enthusiasts who enjoy building, flying and talking about remote controlled aircraft.

Their flying field, located on the Young’s Point Road, is owned by David and Dianne Lloyd, who have been great supporters of the club since flying started there about 20 years ago.

Ken Clow, President of the club, says “They have been absolutely fantastic.”

The field operates seven days a week (Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to dusk; Sundays and holidays, 10 a.m. to dusk).

These hours are for noisy, combustion engine aircraft. Electric and other silent aircraft can fly anytime. The flying field is maintained to MAAC (Model Aeronautics Association of Canada) standards.

It features a primary runway of 780 feet and a smaller runway, staging area, observation area and pit area.

There are a variety of classes for different types and sizes of aircraft. The planes are miniature scale radio control aircraft mainly built from kit, although some members also operate “Almost Ready to Fly” (ARFs) semi-scale.

Most run on nitro fuel although some planes are electric.

The planes range in weight from five to 50 pounds, and have a range of close to 2,000 feet out and 3,000 feet up.

Getting started in the hobby will cost about $600 plus membership fees.

There are currently about 30 members. Membership meetings are held at the Riverview Park and Zoo general purpose room on the first Thursday of each month, October though May.

Here, members can learn more about radio controlled aircraft-related new technology, and enjoy guest speakers and workshops. The club’s primary objective is entertainment while furthering knowledge of the sport.

Those wishing to participate must become members of both the YPRCFC and the MAAC. This organization insures each flying member; the YPRCFC flies and operates under its guidelines. Earning one’s “Flying Wings” allows members to fly at other fields across the country as well.

Spectators are welcome at the field any time, and there are also opportunities to try one’s hand at flying. Flight instruction is also available.

The Cubs have been out to the field from time to time; the club utilizes a “buddy box” which allows youngsters to try their hand at flying but an instructor can take control if necessary.

Chris White, owner of Lakefield Hobby and Game, has also been very supportive and helpful, Ken adds.

“It’s a great hobby for families,” Ken says, “because people can spend time together building planes, learning about them and other things.” It’s great for people who “love to fly”.

Special upcoming events include a Fall Fun Fly on Saturday, August 29 (model aircraft and BBQ) and a Float Fly on Saturday, September 19 (“water safe” models and BBQ). All registered MAAC pilots are welcome.

New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Ken Clow at (705) 745-0887, via email at kclow1@hotmail.com or visit the website at www.yprcmfc.net.

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