General
Rich Valley R/C Club is a group of people who share the hobby of Radio Controlled model aircraft construction and flight. Our Club is open to any individual who shares this interest. We have been a Club since 1985, when a group of about 18 people who had been flying together on some public land near County 71 and Rich Valley Blvd. in Inver Grove Heights decided to organize themselves. They applied for an Academy of Model Aeronautics Sanction, and were approved. Rich Valley R/C Club was born!
Since those days, our Club has moved twice. It is difficult to find land suitable to fly from near residential areas. Since 1995, we have been located two miles south of Hastings, MN, where we fly on six acres of privately owned land. We currently have 60 Adult members and Junior members. We have instructors capable of teaching beginners, and many experienced builders and pilots to answer questions and give advice.
Rich Valley R/C Club has been active in the Hastings Rivertown Days celebration for several years, where we put on a flying demonstration. Rivertown Days is a local celebration in Hastings similar to the Minneapolis Aquatennial or St. Paul Winter Carnival, only on a smaller basis.
Rich Valley R/C Club is a member of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). This is a national organization which provides insurance for its members and also keeps an eye on our interests at our nations capital. Every member of Rich Valley R/C Club must be a member of the AMA in order to fly at our field.
In 2012, the AMA dues are $58.00 and Rich Valley R/C Club's dues for new members are $75.00. AMA dues for minors are $15.00 per year and the Club dues are $40.00. There is also a one time registration fee for new members of $25.00. These are not, however, the only expense you will encounter as a beginner. If you intend to purchase all of your equipment new, you could very easily spend $700.00 for the basic beginners plane and equipment. By belonging to a Club, you can take advantage of experienced builders and pilots to inform you what type of equipment to buy. And there is also the possibility of buying used equipment from a fellow Club member at a reduced price.
Our Club owns several training airplanes, which enables prospective members to try flying an R/C plane before making a large monetary commitment. Our instructors will begin teaching students on a Club trainer*, and after a few flights, transition them to their own equipment. Wednesday evenings are typically set aside for training of students. Spectators are always welcome at our field, which is located 1 1/2 miles South of Highway 47/48 (160th Street) on Highway 47, just South of Hastings and Northeast of Vermillion.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this hobby, and/or our Club, you can get more information by sending an e-mail to dan@richvalleyrc.com
The following web site may also be of interest to you: WWW.modelaircraft.org
* This offer may be limited by the number of students already in the program and the number of instructors available. Prospective students/members should verify availablity with an instructor before joining the Club. Students enrolling in our training program will be expected to pay for two years' dues in advance.
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