I joined the Wingmasters Club as a novice approximately seven years ago. Since joining I have been fortunate to have received help from a number of members who have assisted me into becoming a better builder and pilot. Many of these people I now call friends. If you are new to the hobby, by reaching out for help you can expect the same. I count my yearly dues of $15 (yes that’s right) – as a great investment!
The Dayton Wingmasters Club is one of the oldest in this region; club membership is made up of approximately 75 members. Our club is diverse ranging from novice pilots all the way up to those who fly competitively at a high level. Wingmasters field is located at the back of Wegerzyn Garden Center where the club leases the land from the city. Because the facility is owned by the City of Dayton, flying is available to both club members and non-members. However, regardless of club membership, an active AMA membership is required to fly solo or to purchase a gate key to enter the facility. These are club and city rules. By being an AMA member you are advised of important safety rules -- We’re not only concerned with your safety, but the safety of anyone entering the facility.
During the months of June to September the club meets at the Wingmasters Field Shelter House on the first Thursday of the month. During the months of October to May, we meet in warmer accommodations, these past two years we’ve been using one of the buildings located at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Meetings start promptly at 7:30 and typically last for an hour.
During the flying season of May through September the club offers instruction to new pilots on Wednesday evenings weather permitting. We typically open the gates at 5:30 and finish at dusk. If you are new to the hobby on instructor night we can evaluate your plane for being air worthy – ensuring that everything is tight and locked down, we’ll do a quick check of the planes CG and the settings of your Radio. We have equipment that will allow us to plug in a buddy box to your radio that allows an instructor to assist you during the learning process. Experienced assistance during this phase will help you save a lot of money and reduce frustration while trying to learn to fly. If you are not a member and just want to come out and watch, Wednesday night is always open to the public.
• Modelrama – Our big yearly fundraiser event
• During the summer months, club members will put together Fun Fly Events at the field. This includes flying and a Cook-Out for club members and their families
• Heli-Fun Fly – Another Fun Fly Event that generates revenue for the club
• Wingmasters Swap & Buy – A Fun Fly and Swap Meet
• Christmas Party
As you can see the club will hold several events each year to raise money. As stated the club leases the land from the city, however the club is responsible for field maintenance and upgrades. This includes mowing and the equipment, runway and shelter house maintenance. This year, the club has installed electricity in the shelter house and a recharging station on the flight line. Because the ongoing costs are paid by the club, electricity is for members only and is included with your $15 fee.
When joining the club, it’s not mandated that you must volunteer for specific jobs. Maintenance and events are all done through volunteering and are based on your availability and ability.
• City Park and Club rules state that you must have an AMA license to fly solo at the field – there can be no exceptions.
• When entering the field, please shut and lock the gate behind you.
• To ensure everyone’s safety, please observe the "No Fly Zones" shown below; keep your plane north of the runway. Never fly south of the taxi area, over or behind the shelter house.
• Non 2.4 transmitters - The frequency pin is to be placed on your transmitter antenna. Never turn your transmitter on unless you are in possession of the Frequency Pin.
• You can pull your car up to the fence to unload / load your equipment. When done, please park in the designated parking area. The city mandates that you cannot park in the grass.
• Please observe the designated "No Parking" spaces.
• For your safety, spectators should stand behind the fence.
• If you are the last to leave Wingmasters Field, lock the Pin Box, Porta-Potty and gate.
• If you are the last Wingmaster member to leave, please ensure that the electricity panel is shut off.
• The field is available for all to enjoy, please pick up and discard your trash, obey the safety rules and be courteous to others. If someone is not complying with field rules, speak to them in a courteous manner. If the problem persists, call the Dayton Police 333-2677 or 911 if an emergency exists.
To summarize – Practice common sense, respect others and have a good time!
Paul Stimmel
