Club Information
Club Officers
President: Mike Murphy
Vice-President: Steve Messiter
Secretary: Pete Galligan
Treasurer: Jim Rotondo
Safety: Matt Calcagni
Club Membership
Membership in the Rutland County RC Flyers is literally open to anyone that's even remotely interested in model aviation. Whether you're a seasoned veteran pilot, or just starting out, you've found a group and a flying field that will quickly feel like family...and home. We hail from all walks of life, and have varying levels of experience flying RC, and in some cases, full scale aircraft. One thing is for sure: we all LOVE to fly!
To join the club, you'll need to download, fill out, and send in our membership form to our club Treasurer, Jim Rotondo. Jim's mailing information is right on the form. There's a simple chart on the form that indicates what the fee schedule is for you, depending on your age in the current calendar year. Send the appropriate fee along with the completed membership form to Jim.
In order to fly with us, you'll need to also be a current member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The AMA offers various membership options, but for the best liability coverage and AMA's monthly Model Aviation magazine, you'll want to be a full member of that organization.
FAA Requirements for Flying Model Aircraft
In order to fly RC aircraft legally in the US, the FAA requires the following:
Register your RC aircraft that weigh more than .55 lbs, and less than 55lbs according to FAA criteria. FAA registration costs only $5, and it's valid for 3-years.
Mark your aircraft with your FAA registration number somewhere on the exterior of the aircraft.
Take and pass the FAA TRUST exam. Once you pass the test, print and keep a copy of your exam credential with you, in case it's requested by local or federal authorities. There is no cost to take the TRUST exam.
Follow the requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Bill.
Remote ID: As of September 16, 2023 requirements of the FAA Reauthorization Bill with regard to Remote ID on UAS are in effect. That being said, the FAA has postponed the ENFORCEMENT portion of the bill until March 16, 2024, to give RID manufacturers time to create and market remote ID equipment, and for RC pilots to be able to purchase and install any required equipment. Note: The club's airfield in Fair Haven has been officially declared as a FRIA, so member and guest pilots may fly their UAS without installing FAA-approved Remote ID equipment, as long as they fly within the defined FRIA boundaries. See our About page (bottom) for full details.
RC and Aviation Links of Interest
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
AirNav (Airport Information)
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Sky Vector (Aviation Charts and Airport Info)