chestercountyrc

Finding a Lost Plane

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

A plane going down in high grass such as a hay field is a mixed blessing in that the grass cushions the impact and more often than not the damage is minimal. The downside is finding the dang thing in that the grass very effectively hides the plane. It is not fun traipsing around in the high grass in the heat of summer especially for those of us that are a little long in the tooth, not to mention that flying is suspended for the searchers and those waiting to fly.

Crashing a plane is a reality in model aviation, it happens to all of us.

Here are a few pointers on finding a plane lost in the high grass or woods:

When a plane goes down make a mental note of where it went down, referencing trees or other prominent points of reference. Also, have someone remain and direct you using cell phones or radio. Ham radio VHF is perfect for this. This underscores the practice of not flying alone.
When you go to look for the plane, take your transmitter. When you think you are near where the plane went down. Apply some throttle. Hopefully, the spinning of the prop slapping against adjacent vegetation will make enough noise that locate the plane.
Noise will help, so install a lost plane locator in all your planes. As long as the device sees a control signal pulse coming from the receiver, it remains quiet. If the control signal is lost, it begins a 100 second countdown. After 100 seconds, if there is still no control signal, the device will beep once every 15 seconds until power is shut off. https://rcdude.com/rc-plane-tracker-and-inactivity-alarm.html

Finding a plane in the woods presents its own challenges. Do not attempt to climb a tree; in most cases, the wind will bring down a plane… eventually.

If you have any ideas about finding downed planes, please let us know.

CCRC Picnic & Fly-In

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

The day was bright and sunny with winds at 15, gusting to 25 MPH. Gusting winds didn’t stop some of our braver and more experienced from doing some phenomenal flying. Dan Bush and Al Baswaldo impressed everyone with their incredible helicopter flying. They made it look like there was no wind at all. The fixed wing guys managed to do some great flying, but the foamies did fall prey to some of the gusts putting them in the field behind the flight line.

In addition to the challenge of flying in the wind pilots, there was the self-imposed challenge by the balloon busting events and limbo. This was a new thing for CCRC. A number of the participating planes are now on the repair bench…need I say more! Such events as the balloon busting and limbo server to add fun and challenges to flying while honing flying skills. Many thanks to Bob Anguolo for not only the idea but making the props necessary for such and activity. We need to do more of this.

Aside from flying, the comradery was great. We saw people who we have not seen for some time. The food was out of this world. Alec did the grilling and frankly he is a master at it. A thank you to Alec for quarterbacking the entire event and to Tony for providing the grill. And, a big thank you to all who participated in pulling this together. Truly, many hands make light work.

After concerns about the weather and the wind were alleviated, the CCRC Picnic and Fly-In took place as scheduled on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Boy Scouts at Sisk Field

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

After some initial reluctance the Scouts saw how much fun it was and lined up to try flying. This followed flight demonstrations by Dan Bush: helicopters, Dave Eltringham: rotor plane and jet, and Alec Pettifer on the Timberlake. Alec’s demo flight preceded the Scouts doing the flying on the Timberlake.

However, Mother Nature intervened and not all Scouts got a chance to fly. We will set up something so that all Scouts get in some flying. Many thanks to all who participated, a special thanks to Rick Copes for organizing the entire event.

On Tuesday evening, June 6th, the CCRC hosted Boy Scout Troop 8 a for a flight demonstration and a chance for the Scouts to get some stick time, on the buddy box.

American Helicopter Museum FamilyFest

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

We were set up in our own room, which was incidentally entitled the Model Room. Our team brought two simulators which were in use the entire four hours by youngsters anxious to try their hand at simulated flying. One sim was set up for fixed wing, while the other was initially set for helicopters. Since none of the attending club members had any real experience flying helos, we switched both to fixed wing aircraft.

Our participation in the event was very much appreciated by the museum director and his staff. There was a great deal of interest in model aviation and in the CCRC. Hopefully, this event will spark interest in the many adults who stopped by and, perhaps, bring us some new members.

Since the weather was uncertain, we did not do any flying. A few more club members would have helped at this event, as four hours of supervising the young folks on the sims was a challenge! We look forward to being invited to next year’s event, and to better weather as well.

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center

1220 American Boulevard

West Chester, PA 19380

https://www.helicoptermuseum.org/

On June 24th, the American Helicopter Museum held their annual family and fun celebration, FamilyFest, and the CCRC was invited to participate.

Proposed Update to Sisk Field Bulletin Board

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

Sisk Field requires an update to the bulletin board area.

Traditionally, this bulletin board contains:

Contact information

Site rules

AMA rules

Flight boundary area

Other useful information

I have created a PDF document to print and post on the bulletin board and will install it during my next visit to the site.

You can see the document by following this link: Sisk Bulletin Board Info

Executive board is creating a similar PDF for the bulletin board at Lanchester Scenic Overlook.

Lanchester Grand Opening Pics- May 17, 2025

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

Chester County Radio Control Club hosted the Grand Opening of the Lanchester Scenic Overlook Soaring Site on May 17th 2025.

Thanks to the members who shared photos of the event. Click on any photo to display it larger, and swipe or use the arrow keys to scroll through the photos.

Victory Meet & Greet June 5th

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

CCRC will host a Meet & Greet June 5th 7pm at Victory Brewing in Downingtown.

No RSVP is necessary, just meet us there!

Victory Meet & Greet Aug 6th

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

Chester County Radio Control Club invites you to join us at Victory Brewing Downingtown for our casual monthly meet & greet. We have no agenda or goal and we’re not selling anything. It’s just members socializing out at a fun venue and offering an oppty for anyone interested to hang out, ask questions and learn about the club. Great nachos, no pressure, that simple.

Aviation Merit Badge Aug 15th

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

Chester County Radio Control has been asked to participate in Scouting America Chester County Council’s Aviation Merit Badge Class August 15th at the Chester County Airport. Our volunteers will present to the Scouts and answer questions with the hope of inspiring them to try model aviation with radio control airplanes, helicopters, and drones. Due to short notice it’s a quick program, but we will have show and tell equipment available and an opportunity to introduce ourselves.

Nat’l Model Aviation Day Aug 16

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

CCRC will host a Fun Fly / Picnic to celebrate National Model Aviation Day.

August 16th 10AM – 4PM at Sisk Field

Click the Flyer to RSVP

West Nantmeal Day Sept 27

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

CCRC will participate and hope to fly at the park (weather permitting) we’ll also have RC simulators and free glider giveaways for kids. It’s gonna be a blast. See you there!

Fall Cookout Sept 27

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

CCRC members and guests will be flying a mini air show of radio-controlled stunt planes, scale warbirds, helicopters, EDFs, and drones.

Novices (aged 8+) can even try flying an RC airplane yourself! Using club equipment, with our flight instructor as co-pilot, eliminates the risk of crashing!

The event includes lunch, snacks, and drinks for all attendees at no cost. Electric and gas/glow aircraft are welcome and guests may fly with current AMA membership.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate the excitement and fun of radio-controlled model aviation against a backdrop of crisp fall color.

LSO: Fall Soaring Festival Oct 18

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

CCRC will host a Fall Soaring Festival Saturday, October 18th at the Lanchester Scenic Overlook FRIA site.

This is an AMA Sanctioned Event

Click the Event Flyer to RSVP

Freeze Fly! New Years Day

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

Brave the wind, cold, ice, and snow! Fly it like you stole it till you can’t feel your fingers!

Meeting up at Sisk Field about 10am.

Victory Downingtown – Jan 3

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:07:51 GMT

Join CCRC members for a casual get together at Victory Brewing Downingtown.

No agenda just enjoying each others company in the off-season. 7pm-9pm