The Checkerboard Field R/C Club was established nearly 30 years ago by a group of people who were

interested in a new aspect of the model airplane hobby which used radio control units to fly model

airplanes. Many of the original club members got their start in the hobby flying free flight or U-control

models. Some founding club members are still active in the hobby to this day.

The club was named after the field that was both the flying field and the location of club meetings for a

time. For a brief history of Checkerboard Field, visit http://www.luhs.org/about/history.htm. The

Checkerboard Field R/C Club is AMA - Academy of Model Aeronautics Charter Club #864. For more

information about the AMA visit http://www.modelaircraft.org.

The club currently has approximately 56 members. The club flying field is located in Miller Meadow, which

is part of the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Miller Meadow is East of 1st Avenue between

Roosevelt Road and Cermak Road in Maywood, Illinois. Loyola University Medical Center is just across

the street. Club meetings are held at the Forest Park Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd., Forest

Park, IL. Meetings are generally held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Check the Calendar for exact

dates. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM and the public is welcome.

The club sponsors Fun Flys during the Summer months. Fun Flys are low key contests that challenge the

flying skills of participants. Challenges include the Bomb Drop where fliers attempt to drop "bombs" on a

target on the field. The bombs are usually bean bags or plastic replicas. Another favorite event is the

Carrier Landing where fliers attempt to land on a part of the field that has been outlined with paint to

simulate the deck of an aircraft carrier. A styrofoam bridge and superstructure add to the interest of this

event. Points are awarded for accuracy.

The club also has other special events during the year including the family picnic, normally held in

September, where club members bring out their families for a day of good food and flying. The Chili Fly is

held in November, and as the name implies, a hot Chili dinner is served. The Christmas party is normally

held on the 2nd Tuesday of December. This is an opportunity for club members to share memories and

plan for the coming year. Then there is the New Year's Day Breakfast. Club members meet at a local

restaurant to have breakfast, then head to the field to fly, no matter what the weather.

Several club members have acted as club trainers. They help newcomers to the hobby get started. The

help includes advise on purchasing airplanes and equipment, checking over the model prior to the 1st

flight, and assisting to learn how to fly. New club members can make arrangements with the club trainers.

Their names and phone numbers are listed on the club newsletter, The Checkerboard Flyer.