August 2, 2005 > Family Fun Day

Air traffic controllers along Warm Springs Boulevard will be busier than usual on Saturday, August 7. Not only will they be watching planes and helicopters in the nearby skies, on that day, many new pilots will be taking their turn at the controls. The typical gathering of pilots who visit the Bayside airfield almost every day of the year have extended an invitation to the community to visit their airfield, take a turn at the controls of an airplane and sample a delicious BBQ lunch while watching air races and demonstrations.

The fact that these planes, helicopters and racecars are a bit smaller than their operational counterparts on racetracks and at airports does nothing to detract from their design, maintenance and the skill required for operation. Those who have taken a quick glance at these radio controlled vehicles of land and air while negotiating traffic along the continuation of Osgood Road near Grimmer that parallels Interstate 680 in Fremont are encouraged to come by and stay awhile to see what it's all about.

Motors will rev, propellers will spin and young and old will send their craft, whether experimental or scale model into action. Racing, aerobatics and daring flying will thrill onlookers and the best part of all is that visitors of all ages can take a turn at the controls with the help of a "buddy box." Although planes flying from the helicopter pad or the 400' runway are scale versions of larger aircraft, they deserve and receive no less - and probably more - attention to detail as their cousins that carry passengers to and from airports around the Bay Area.

Whatever style or genre of radio controlled craft that attracts someone is okay says Bayside R/C Club president, Doug Field. "People get to do whatever they want; there is no good or bad." Chief Field Marshal, Lynn Curry adds that many club members spend many quality family-time hours together building and flying their aircraft. Family Fun Day is designed to introduce anyone who drops by to the joys of flying, racing on a tight Gran Prix track or handling the controls of a classic airplane or helicopter.

The Bayside R/C Club hosts one of the largest helicopter contingents in Northern California. They will be well represented at Family Fun Day and will also host a "Jamboree" later in the month for enthusiasts. For more information about the Bayside R/C Club, Family Fun Day or its other activities, contact Doug Field or Lynn Curry at (408) 374-5518 or visit www.baysidercclub.com.

Family Fun Day
Sunday, August 7
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Bayside R/C Club Field
Grimmer Blvd. & Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont