Published by Yakima Herald-Republic
The Yakima Valley Aero Modelers is inviting radio-controlled airplane enthusiasts and spectators to its 15th annual Yakima Valley Big Birds Fall Classic this weekend just north of town.
Large-scale radio-controlled model planes will be flown in a competition that draws pilots from across the Northwest. Visitors can try a trainer plane with the guidance of a club instructor.
The event begins about 8 a.m. Friday and runs through Sunday at Ben’s flying field off of Cheyne Road, just north of Gilbert Road. Signs will be posted on Cheyne Road directing motorists, and overnight camping will be allowed at the flying strip.
Admission into the event is free, but a $15 landing fee will be assessed for airplanes entered in the competition. Those competing must be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Breakfast and lunch will be sold at the event, averaging about $4 a plate, and a Saturday potluck will be held for competitors.
Yakima Valley Aero Modelers is a nonprofit club dedicated to promoting the safe flying of radio-controlled airplanes. It was chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics in 1971.
Club meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month in the fall and winter at the McAllister Museum of Flight at the Yakima Airport, and summer meetings are held on or as close as possible to the first Sunday of each month.
For more information, call Mike Hanratty at 509-453-8238, or Bill Tucker at 509-829-5027.
Yakima Valley Aero Modelers, AMA charter club 651, www.yvam.com/