Thank you for your interest in becoming a club member! Membership in the Rutland County RC Flyers is literally open to anyone that's even remotely interested in model aviation. Club membership is on an annual basis, from January 1 through December 31 on a given calendar year. 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! Click for our current AMA Club Roster.
To join the club, you'll need to download, fill out, and mail 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.
No, we're not the FAA "police," but we expect all members to adhere to all applicable FAA rules and regulations, and follow the AMA Safety Code while flying model aircraft at our field.
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 (250 grams) 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 (It's free!). 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: 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. If you fly outside of an approved FRIA and your aircraft requires FAA registration, you'll need an approved Remote ID device on your aircraft.
FRIA Map: This new map shows the location of every approved FRIA in the US. Very handy!