Tony Masiello of Cetreville, Md., carries his 1/8th scale F-4J Phantom jet at the Top Gun Invitational Contest at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fl. Halifax Media photo
Q. Are there any public areas in New Hanover County where model airplanes, rockets, or helicopters can be flown? A recent unpleasant encounter with a county groundskeeper at Ogden Park makes me wonder if these formerly permissible activities are now banned.
A. Posted rules at New Hanover County parks prohibit a number of recreational pasttimes including equestrian activities, fireworks, bathing in ponds and, unfortunately for enthusiasts, operating radio controlled aircraft, cars trucks and boats in most cases.
That being said, there are multiple clubs supporting the area’s R/C fans.
Rod Smith, president of the Wilmington Model Flying Club, said that while the group does not have facilities for rocketeers, there are options for airplanes. The Cape Fear Quiet Flyers (www.CapeFearQuietFlyers.com) maintain a field along Randall Parkway, and members passing alight test are welcome to fly there.
The larger Wilmington Model Flying Club (www.wilmingtonmodelflyingclub.org) maintains a large field off of U.S. 421 about 20 miles north of town. To join a discussion on the topic, visit that club’s online forum at http://wmfc.lefora.com.
A national organization, The Academy of Model Aeronautics, can be found at www.ModelAircraft.com.
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Date posted: September 10, 2014
User-contributed question by:
Tim Armstrong
I had no idea NHC parks didn’t allow R/C planes. Good to know! I have been talking with Rod from WMFC and I’m working with him to set up instruction at the Cape Fear Quiet Flyers club.