Here is a brief overview of our club history and where we are today


Here is a brief overview of our club history and where we are today. If you have a question not answered here, please e-mail one of our club officers and they will be glad to respond.

The Roanoke Valley Radio Control Club evolved in the 60’s & 70’s from an earlier club known as RAGS (Roanoke Aero Guidance Society). A small group of model enthusiasts banded together for their avid interests in model aviation and achieving success in constructing and flying radio controlled model aircraft. In the early days, success meant simply bringing the model home intact at the end of the day. A complete flight utilizing the earlier rubber band powered compound escapements and the new technological advanced features from "galloping ghost’ to reed and proportional components created euphoria among the group. That was a time when everyone helped and assisted each other to conquer the challenges of the advancing wonder of "controlled" free flight.

Today, that same philosophy has continued as RVRC has grown to an incorporated club with dozens of members. It has existed at its present flying site in Salem, Virginia since the early 1980’s. The model aviation airfield has evolved from a hay field to paved and grass runways over 400 feet in length with combined widths of over 70 feet. The facility has a large shelter and transmitter pavilion suitable for informal gatherings and family picnics. We also have an on-site storage trailer, electricity and a sanitary facility.

Sorry, no running water; however, the Roanoke River runs adjacent to the site. Spectator stands are provided for the public to visit and enjoy the flying activities. Parking and pit areas are presently spacious but could become a bit crowded with the growing membership of the organization. Should the situation demand, the 35-acre site might be expanded but the continued development adjacent to the area may require future alternate site development especially in light of greater flight restrictions.

	RVRC is proud to be a Charter Club in the Academy of Model Aeronautucs (AMA). We have provided assistance to the local Governor’s School aerodynamics classes for in-class construction and flight training for students. The students in the final stages of their studies must design and construct wings for the trainers to meet certain lifting requirements under varying take-off velocities. And, we provide orientation and training for the newer members that wish to become part of our organization.
Recent newspaper and television interviews of our club activities have created greater exposure for us with an attendant increase in membership interest. Our web site has brought many inquiries to us along with a request to come visit and fly with us. So, y’all come on down, up or over. We’ll be glad to see you and have you fly with us. In good weather, flying takes place seven days of the week. Of course, the retired folks use all the weekdays while the work-a-day crowds have to hassle each other on the weekends.

RVRC has hosted an annual swap shop auction since the late 1970’s. They began in a back room of a local steak house and progressed through a series of high schools. In the early 80’s as the success began to build in hosting the events, our club president at that time, Pat Cosmato, composed an article for AMA’s Model Aviation on how clubs could organize and put on successful swap shops. The year the article appeared we were blanketed with a 14-inch snowfall the weekend of the swap shop. Calls kept coming in asking for the rain date and we replied "no rain date – the show will go on!" We had an abundant crowd in spite of the weather. For upcoming happenings, check out the "Events" page for more information

Click here to see a list of our club officers, board members, and project managers