Read on to hear about these members first flight of the new year!
Desert Eagles Model Airplane Flying Club
Our Club, the Desert Eagles Model Airplane Flying Club (DEMAFC), in South East Idaho conducts an annual Freeze Fly. We all gather at a local park, Community Park, and fly some rubber powered aircraft, R/C electric powered aircraft and some novelty aircraft such as a Superman and a Pterodactyl. Depending on wind and temps, we may fly for an hour or three. We get a lot of Community exposure from this as other park users stop to talk and ask question. Afterwards, we convene at a local eatery, 50s themed Dixie’s Diner, for hot cocoa or coffee and chili burgers so we can thaw out, warm up and have a BS session! Look forward to it every year!
Al Tucker
Jack Johnson
Quite a few years I went out to the field on New year’s Day and I was the only one there. It was a nasty morning with a little light rain. I brought my old Sig Kadet that I had moved the wing from the top to the bottom and it really flew great that way. Had K&B .40 on it and that flew it fine. I fired it up, taxed out and took off. Don’t know just long I had it up but when I landed and taxed back and shut it down the prop & leading edge of the wing were covered in ice. I didn’t make another flight that day. I belonged to the C.A.R.D.S. club at that time. Joined a club in Florida when mm a wife and I use to spend the down winters there. Later after my wife passed I got together with a lady from Auburn Hills and joined the Sky Masters. I even belonged to the Small Flyers and flew with them out west. Have flown small electric planes in locker stadiums and in basketball carts for quite a while. Now days I play with quads and small choppers that don’t take up that much room. In 96 we went to Alaska and I flew at midnight with a couple of club members up there. Don’t build any longer but still have a lot of my planes hanging in the garage. You all have a Happy New Year.
Jack Johnson
Fredericksburg Area R/C Club
Our club, Fredericksburg Area R/C Club has been doing a New Years Day Chili Cook off for several years now. It has been quite popular and we are preparing for another successful event.
Rob Bussler
President FARCC
Pikes Peak Radio Control Club
PPRCC’s Frozen Needle Tradition: A New Year’s Day Flight With a Twist
For the Pikes Peak Radio Control Club in Colorado Springs, the New Year doesn’t officially begin until the first airplane leaves the runway on January 1st. Our annual Frozen Needle flight has become a club tradition—one part flying, one part endurance challenge, and one part family reunion in the snow.
Most years, “Frozen Needle” lives up to its name. Temperatures often hover around zero, the field is covered in ice and snow, and our transmitters gather icicles faster than our fingers can warm them. The hardy pilots who show up each year wear every layer they own, and the first successful flight of the season earns bragging rights that last until spring.
This year, however, nature threw us a curveball. Instead of the usual deep freeze, the forecast called for temperatures in the 40s—practically tropical by Colorado January standards. To mark the occasion, we created a special version of our 2026 Frozen Needle badge featuring a bundled-up pilot wearing a Hawaiian shirt under his winter gear. It’s a playful nod to the “heat wave” and a reminder that RC flying is as much about humor and camaraderie as it is about skill.
As always, our EC members were on-site early preparing the traditional Frozen Needle breakfast: hot coffee and fresh egg sandwiches served right at the field. It’s a simple ritual, but it brings everyone together before the first takeoff and warms both hands and spirits.
Whether the temperature is zero or forty, the tradition remains the same—start the year with friends, fly something that makes you smile, and celebrate the joy of model aviation.
—James “Jim” Grigsby
Pikes Peak Radio Control Club (PPRCC)
Suburban Aeroclub of Chicago
Suburban Aeroclub of Chicago (Charter # 274) has held a First Flight event on January 1 for many years, regardless of the weather. Today members turned out in balmy 15 degree (F) weather. The only casualty was one broken prop.
Lincoln Sky Knights
The Lincoln Sky Knights (www.lincolnskyknights.com) of Lincoln, Nebraska held our annual January 1st Fun Fly.
We had a great turnout for a chilly day. The Sky Knights weather station told us we had a nice 9Mph breeze gusting to 13Mph from the south and a balmy 20 degrees with the wind chill…really not too bad for January 1 in Nebraska!
We had 15 pilots come out throughout the fun fly, with 12 there along enough to pose for our club photo.
We had a great chili and cinnamon roll (it’s a Nebraska thing!) lunch that kept us warm in the clubhouse and more than a few of us flew multiple times on New Years day. We’d love to have you visit any time – and please check us out on YouTube, we live stream from our field 24/7 on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@LincolnSkyKnights
Airmasters RC Club
The Airmasters RC Club in North Bend Ohio had 6 members brave twenty degree temperatures on New Year’s Day morning !
GCA RC Club
The GCA RC Club from Washington NJ conducted our “Freeze Fly” as we do every January 1st. The snow, cold and 25mph winds dampened attendance but the diehards came and we actually got some flights in. Along with enjoying coffee, donuts and killer Chili in the warm clubhouse.
Thanks,
Dave Dean
President
Arvada Associated Modelers
The Arvada Associated Modelers (AMA #0399, Arvada, CO) hosted its annual Frozen Finger Fun Fly (“FFFF”) on New Year’s Day 2026. For the 3rd year in a row, the weather was far from “frozen” with no snow, and mild temperatures (i.e. upper-50’s by mid-morning).
We had our highest attendance in several years, with 16 very enthusiastic participants (in 2 classes: Sportsman/Junior and Expert) vying for the coveted FFFF trophy. The contestants competed in 3 events: 1) a racetrack ground event; 2) a timed climb-n-glide with precision landing; and 3) a timed hover event.
The FFFF and trophy has been an annual tradition since 2004. The event is held regardless of weather or conditions. The event was postponed only 1 time because we had so much snow that no one could get into the field. Thus, this was the 23rd consecutive event and awarding of the trophy. The lucky recipient of the trophy (Tom D.) will be the CD for next year’s event.
Submitted by,
Joe Pirozzoli, President
Owatonna RC Modelers
Three of the 10 pilots that showed up at Owatonna RC Modelers 2026 Frozen Finger Fly in Owatonna, MN. Chili & snacks served in the shed/warming house. No carnage this time. 7 degrees was a heat wave for us as it is generally zero and below for this event. Very low wind made for enjoyable flights. Happy New Year everyone.
Dick Baumer -Treasurer
Owatonna-RC-Modelers.com
Mid-Missouri Modelers
From Warrensburg, Mo, Mid-Missouri Modelers AMA #255. Well we didn’t have any snow, but it was cold. We all had a great time with good food to keep us warm.
WCRC Skyhawks
I’ve attached few pictures of our traditional First Flight of the Year, we called it FFY Day. Some of our Senior Members have done it at least for 4 consecutive decades, some of us have joined to the tradition with the commitment of enjoying and keeping alive our hobby, creating memories with family and friends.
Thank you for the opportunity
And Happy New Year
Roberto Mejia WCRW Skyhawks – Secretary
Wheeling Hill Hoppers and St. Clairsville RC Flyers
The Wheeling Hill Hoppers and St. Clairsville RC Flyers combined Club held their long time traditional New Year’s Day fly. Temperature was 19°, 6 in of fresh powdered snow, 5 to 10 mph winds. Five brave souls made the trip out on New Year’s Day to enjoy some RC flying with sauerkraut and kielbasa.
John Clark
Aero Radio Club of Syracuse, NY
Our (approximately) 64th annual New Years Day Fun Fly. Today was in the teens with white-out conditions. We had to deal with 15-20 MPH gusting winds. Quite a workout for the foam! One Brave pilot (Chris Muniz) got a flight in. It was very exciting! We had lots of good food to eat. Of course the best part of it is getting together with friends and sharing stories, some of which are based on fact.
Looking forward to many more!
Herb Ziegler- ARCS President.
Gallatin Eagles
The Gallatin Eagles of Bozeman Montana had their annual New Years Day Fly In. Fifteen pilots attended for an outstanding day of unseasonably warm weather (42 degrees). In the past temperatures have been -20 with knee deep snow. The runway was plowed by Destry Jacobs (President) and chili was provided by the Leininger family. Fun time had by all.
Larry Nelson
Vice President
Gallatin Eagles
Horizon City Flyers
“New Years Day Chili at the Field” is a ongoing tradition for the Horizon City Flyers #1416. Started over 12 years ago it’s become one of our favorite get together and a great way to start the new Year. The members bring a batch of best Chili to share with the group. Great times with great friends.
Mike Taylor
Club Contact
Horizon City Flyers #1416
Champaign County Radio Control Club
Our New Year’s Day Chili Breakfast & Fun Fly is one of the Champaign County Radio Control Club’s long-standing traditions, and this year certainly did not disappoint. Even with temperatures right around 20 degrees, we had 33 members and family join us at the field, with 21 brave (and enthusiastic!) pilots taking to the skies for the first flights of the year. From great flying to warm chili and even warmer fellowship, it was a perfect way to kick off 2026 and the new flying season.
Lebanon Area RC
We flew, raced and visited
Chris Hickok 3215
Troy Cook, Loran Koch, Dan Sinclair, Scott Bartlett and his son Skyler. Stewart Smith
Minot Aircraft Modelers Club
Six brave souls joined me for our annual New Year’s Day Fun Fly at the Minot Aircraft Modelers Club: Justin Lien, Trevor Ford, Larry Hanson, Andy Salmon, Mike Morris, and Terry Dahly. Many thanks for the donuts, Terry! The wind was brisk and the air was very cold (13) so it was one and done then back to the hangar to warm up. I was the first one to fly and the first one to crash this year! I didn’t get a video of the AeroScout gaggle but here’s a picture of Trevor and I with our Cubs and Justin with his Turbo Timber getting ready to go. Note the cold weather gear we are wearing. It was cold, windy and foggy today but so much fun! Thankful for a heated hangar to warm up in and some coffee, hot chocolate and donuts, too.
George Lowther
Colorado Modeleers Flying Club
2026 Chili Fly – New Years Day! Lots of flying, chili, cornbread, hot chips, jalapeno’s and coffee. 35 pilots came to brave the cold, rain and light winds in Grand Junction.
Colorado Modeleers Flying Club.
Iowa City Aerohawks
Our club, the Iowa City Aerohawks, hosted our annual New Year’s Day Chili Fun Fly yesterday. Here are a few pictures and a little summary of the day’s event. The picture with the snow was taken on December 17th. Unfortunately, the snow didn’t stick around. Thank you.
Rich VeDepo
New Year’s Day Annual Chili Fun Fly
What a great day at the field for our annual Iowa City Aerohawk Chili Fun Fly. A yearly tradition that has been going on for over 50 years. We were hoping for snow but unfortunately, the 12 inches of snow we had 2 and 1/2 weeks ago literally didn’t stick around for New Year’s Day, so there was no need for skis. The good news, even though the air was chilly with temperatures in the mid 20’s, the skies were blue and the winds were light and right down the runway. It was a beautiful day to fly.
We had a great turnout with an estimated crowd of 30 to 35 people in attendance. While it was a little nippy outside, it was a balmy 72 degrees in the clubhouse, and the smell of chili and other delicious entrees filled the air. Gone are the days when we would gather outside in subzero temperatures, around a Weber barbeque grill trying to stay warm while hoping we could get our glow engines to start. Our heated clubhouse and the popularity of electric powered airplanes have been a game changer. As always on New Year’s Day, there was a great selection of food. No one left feeling hungry, that’s for sure. Oh yes, and there was a whole lot of flying throughout the day as well, with 21 pilots taking to the skies. We even had a maiden voyage flight to kick off the new year.
The annual Chili Fun Fly is always a fantastic time and a great way to welcome in the new flying season. But it’s not just about flying, it’s also about the camaraderie and friendships that this hobby brings to the table. Our club is blessed to have so many caring members who enjoy this wonderful hobby. New Year to everyone.
DC/RC
DC/RC held their annual First Flight with 10 or so hearty souls showing up. The conditions for flying were near perfect. The temperature was 28 degrees with a wind chill factor of 12 degrees. The wind steady at 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. A few members took their planes up anyway. The flights were mere minutes long. As one pilot said, anything longer would risk loss on fingers to frostbite!
Carl Powell
This was a very special New Year’s Day flight.
Maiden flight of my 90 mm Freewing F-16😁
It sat in my hanger awaiting me to build up my skills to fly her.
Totally worth the wait flawless flight and landing 😎
Carl Powell
Henderson Radio Control Model Airplane Club
We held our 26th Annual Snowbird Fly-in on January 1st , 2026; at the Sandy L. Watkins Park Field. The weather was great with temperatures near 50, clear sikes and a nearly calm wind for most of the day.
We had a total of 24 members and family out for the potluck lunch. There was a great assortment of food with chili, rice and beans, a roasted ham, Italian meatballs, tamales, assorted sandwiches, and a great variety of desserts, that included 5 different pies, one cake, brownies, pecan brittle, and baked, cream cheese dessert.
We had a total of 19 pilots from four different regional clubs and aircraft of all sizes were up and down all day from 9:30am until 3:30pm. Two members did their maiden flights on a 60 size Mamba and a 60 size RV-8. Almost all of the aircraft were electric powered but, there a couple of glow fuel burners up and down, too. There were a couple of minor mishaps as one member had the covering delaminated on the wing tip which made landing fun and there was one minor crash when a member, was executing a high alpha maneuver close to the runway, and pulled the wrong direction. The airplane will live to fly again; but, it will need some shop time.
MIKE MORTON
Darke County Aero Modelers, Greenville Ohio
The tradition continues. Good turnout in spite of the temperatures in the mid 20s. Homemade chili, hot chocolate, hot coffee, cookies, and hotdogs provided by Mike and Debbie Csaplik help fight off the cold. Planes with skis did well. Pilots and visitors always welcome.
Doug Lowder
Blacksheep RC Modelers, Danville, IN
January 1st New Years Day,(we don’t have a catchy name for the event) just New Years Day Fly In. 22 degrees at 10 am for the first flight at our field. 26 degrees at 11:50 am with fair skies, light winds over 20 members getting in at least one flight, chili and ham & bean soup lunch! Members flew many different planes and helicopters, a great start to 2026!
Clark County Radio Control Society
The Clark County Radio Control Society held our annual “Hangover, Wingover, Noseover Fly-in” on January 1, 2026. It was a gray, cool and drizzly day, though with little to no wind and great visibility. Half a dozen or so pilots gathered to get their first flights of the year in. We also had two families of spectators, and an introductory buddy-box.
Saint Louis Radio Control Flying Association
Here are a couple of links to our January 1st festivities! We had a nice crowd considering the cool temperatures and several flights that morning with multiple pilots in the air. Club member Joe Summers was awarded the first flight this year by draw. He successfully flew his Freewing T-33 Shooting Star for the first flight of the year!
Jay Wilson
Vice President SLRCFA
https://www.facebook.com/slrcfa
Saint Louis Radio Control Flying Association – Home
Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club
The Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club hosted their annual Freeze Fly on New Year’s day morning. The day started at 09:00 AM and began with hot coffee, donuts, and socializing around a firepit to take the bite off the twenty degree temperatures. At 10:00, the flying began with competition for two first place trophies in two separate categories; glow/gas or electrics. (The glow/gas engines were prohibited from being started at the field prior to the competition). For each category (round) the airplanes and the spotter were staged in the pit area and the pilots were staged in the shelter. On the CD’s command, the pilots dashed across the snow covered ground to start their engines or install a battery. The spotter then moved the plane to the runway for take off. Each pilot flew three complete laps of a defined rectangular course, then landed on the icy asphalt runway with the objective of remaining on the runway; touching the grass at any point of the landing was a disqualification. To make it interesting the CD made pilots takeoff and land downwind. Placement was based on who completed the three laps, landed AND stayed on the runway in order of first, second and third. In both categories, Old School Model Works owner Mark Lanterman won first place and there were no other placements because of disqualifications. The GCRCC congrats first year CD Nathan Beresford, winner Mark Laterman and all those that participated.
Randy Adams
Westerville Modeling Aviation Association
Wmaa, Westerville Modeling Aviation Association had our first fly of the year at 9-12 on 1/1/2026. Many members braved the cold 10 degree temp, but winds were light.
Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester
It was brutally cold, and very windy, but some of our members braved the elements, and enjoyed some flights at our field. This is the Miniature Aircraft Association of Westchester (MAAW) at our field in Croton on Hudson in Westchester New York.
Wishing everyone at AMA a Happy New Year.
Peter L. DiCapua
Northern Connecticut Radio Control Club
Northern Connecticut Radio Control Club (NCRCC) Ellington CT had our 3 Annual 1/1/2026 Frozen Finger Fun Fly. Temperature was OK but windchill and heavy gusts made flying hard. CD Ola Nordell welcomed 15 registered pilots to the event. Ralph Baker Took the Honor of be the first to fly at NCRCC 2026.
Kansas City Radio Control Association
January 1, 2026, Max Klotz Memorial Icicle Fun Fly
For over 50 years, generations of Kansas City Radio Control Association members, January 1st does not mean sleeping in or watching bowl games, it means heading to the flying field no matter what the thermometer indicates. Pilots showed up for what became affectionately known as the Icicle Fly-In or Icicle Stick Fun Fly. It was the club’s way of ringing in the year the right way, with airplanes, friends, and sometimes snow on the runway.
The Icicle Fly-In is never about competition. It is informal by design. “Bring what you have and fly if you can.” KC/RC Contacts newsletters from the late 1970s and early 1980s consistently list the January 1st event with no rules beyond showing up, flying safely, and enjoying the day. Some years the wind and temperatures were mild, while other years only the bravest managed to get an engine started and complete a flight. The coldest KC/RC New Years Day event recorded was January 1st, 1985, with 11°F temperature, -22°F wind chill with about five inches of snow on the runway. About twenty members were there “enjoying the day!”
As the tradition grew, one name became inseparable from January 1st at the field, Max Klotz. By the early 1980s, Max was not only flying but actively shaping the character of the Icicle Stick Fun Fly. While serving as KC/RC president, he regularly promoted the event in the December newsletter encouraging all members, flyers and spectators alike, to attend, and then recapping the event in the January newsletter.
Alongside Max, his wife, Sue, played an equally significant role. Together, they helped turn a cold-weather fly-in into something genuinely welcoming. Club articles from the mid-to-late1980s describe hot chili, hot chocolate, and coffee as staples of the event, along with simple certificates recognizing participation for those completing a successful flight. One article notes that “Sue Klotz brings her famous chili, hot chocolate, and coffee—it’s worth seeing all the pilots flying with big smiles.”
When Max passed away KC/RC deeply felt his absence. In December 1991, KC/RC formally
dedicate the New Year’s Day Icicle Fly-In in Max’s honor. Beginning with the January 1992 Contacts, the event was officially listed as the Max Klotz Memorial Icicle Fun Fly. The name changed, but the spirit did not. For 2026, twenty-two members attended the annual January 1st fun fly with temperatures in the mid-30s, winds light & variable, a roaring barrel fire, and hot chili recipes and desserts, all while enjoying our passion for flying radio control model airplanes. Max would have been proud as the tradition continues.
Jon Britt and David Wallace
Kansas City Radio Control Association
Johnson City Radio Controllers
Johnson City Radio Controllers (JCRC) Johnson City, TN. met at the crack of dawn for the Annual First Fly Event, hosted by Skip Weller. It was a pleasant 35 deg. F. and breezy. These dedicated hobbyists , were anxious for the first flight of the year. Everything went very well and everyone had a great time! Thanks to everyone that participated. A special thanks to the staff of AMA. Without the AMA this hobby would probably not exist as lawmakers would have shut it down long ago. Each member has a voice and as a group, the AMA has kept things going for us in Washington. Thanks Again!
Flying Electrons
The Flying Electrons club in Menomonee Falls, WI held their New Years Chili Dump event under cloudy skies with a balmy temperature of 10 degrees and a 5-10 MPH wind. Eleven members dropped in throughout the event, which was held in at the field “clubhouse” (club shed). Members provided their favorite chili to add to the community pot. Propane heaters provided warmth while members ate and discussed what they were working on and what planes Santa had brought them for Christmas. Four brave souls got in their first flight of 2026. Fast Steve was the first club member to get his plane, an AeroScout, into the air. The author of this article unfortunately had the first club crash of the year with his Swift. Fun was had by all! The club has held this event for over 30 years.
Olympic Radio Control Association
New Year morning 2026 from the members of Olympic Radio Control Association (ORCA), Silverdale, WA.
‘‘Twas a very foggy 34degree 9am morning but about 20 members showed up for flyong and a hot dog cookout. Early flyers took off in the fog and kept the ships low, slow, close and in sight. The fog slowly cleared and all were flying until the Chuck wagon started serving dogs, soft drinks, and sweets about 11am and then the sprinkles shut down the operation. Still, we were winners and all had a great time getting the year off to a great start.”
Hernando County Radio Control Club
Our club the Hernando county Radio Control Club had its 3rd annual New Year’s Day club BBQ fun fly. Normally, we have on Jan 1, however, our club had 30-degree weather and winds. See, we are in Florida and our club has a few retired people, so the weather can be a factor. But on January 3, the weather warmed up, and we had a great turnout and a club BBQ. We had a total of 20 members show up for support and 12 pilots fly and have a great day. Flying, chatting, BBQ and a lot of laughs.
Thanks, Rob
Thank you to all the members and clubs who submitted a story!