Model aviation club seeking new field

After operating a flying field at its Marron Valley Road location for 25 years, the Penticton Model Aviation Club is seeking a new home.

The club’s home is on the Penticton Indian Band, on a parcel leased from a locatee owner on an annual basis. They have now been told that the land will be subdivided and developed for building lots.

This is the same parcel of land that the RDOS was considering for a waste reduction facility recently.

“This news comes as a bit of a shock just a couple of weeks before the start of our regular flying season,” said Daryl Chadwell, PENMAC field committee chair.

The club is a non-profit society made up of people who come together to enjoy the hobby and sport of building and flying model aircraft.

“We encourage and welcome anyone from any age group or background to enjoy the hobby,” said Chadwell.

PENMAC is looking for a piece of land on which to fly model aircraft. The ideal location would be some distance from residential development. Once such an area is registered with the Model Aviation Association of Canada, the field will be covered by a $7-million liability insurance policy.

The Canada-wide association, with 13,000 members, works closely with Transport Canada to establish safety rules for the operation of model aircraft, airfield configuration, safety and pilot training.

The local model aviation club is currently seeking to lease a location which would comprise a flat area with safe distance from power lines and other above ground structures. For more information contact Daryl Chadwell at newairfield@shaw.ca.