Farmington RC pilots draw families to weekly flying field

Pilots from the San Juan Radio Control Club hosted a free community flying day at the RC Flying Field, 1615 Ojo Court in Farmington, on Saturday, January 10. The event showcased model aircraft operations on a paved runway, provided a dedicated spectator area, and offered flight school instruction aimed at new pilots and families.

The meet was open to the public and run by volunteers, underlining the club’s role as a low-cost entry point for residents interested in radio control aviation. The facility’s paved runway and organized spectator space make it suitable for electric models and beginner lessons even in winter conditions. Club organizers also note the flight school as a practical bridge from curiosity to competence for adults and youth alike.

Events like this have several local impacts. They provide free outdoor recreation in San Juan County during months when indoor options can dominate household budgets. For families, a no-cost drop-in activity reduces barriers to participation in STEM-linked hobbies that encourage hands-on learning in physics, aerodynamics, and electronics. For small businesses and hobby shops in the region, recurring gatherings create a modest but steady demand for parts, batteries, and repair services that help sustain the local hobby economy.

From a public policy perspective, community-run uses of small municipal or county parcels deliver measurable benefits: they expand recreational choices without large recurring public expenditures, bring neighbors together, and can support youth engagement programs. Maintaining facilities such as a paved runway involves periodic upkeep; coordinating volunteer labor and modest county maintenance budgets can keep the site serviceable and attract regular visitors. The event runs on multiple Saturdays through 2026, giving officials and local businesses time to assess ongoing usage patterns.

Practical details for residents: the field includes a spectator area and a flight school; the event is free and family friendly. For more information or to inquire about lessons and volunteer opportunities, contact the club at 505-427-0897 or devanflys4@gmail.com.

Our two cents? If you’re curious about model flight, bring a chair and layers for January weather, talk to the instructors at the flight school, and consider supporting local repair shops that keep planes flying. It’s an inexpensive way to learn a new skill, meet neighbors, and keep small-scale aviation aloft in San Juan County.