Flying location:  FDR Park
Visitors are ALWAYS welcome

How does a person join the Tri State Modelers?   It is pretty easy.    All you have to do is to come to a regular meeting or meet with the treasurer of the club and pay your dues.

How much does it cost to join?   Annual dues are $50 (subject to change).   And the dues are pro-rated quarterly (for example if you join in July, the dues would be $25 for the remainder of the year).

How do I get access to the flying field?   When you become a member of the Tri-State Modelers you will be given a key to open the gate at the park entrance.   You MUST close and lock the gate behind you when you enter or leave the site.  SEE THE "MAP TO THE FLYING FIELD"

Why must I join the AMA?   In one word ... INSURANCE.   With AMA membership you receive an umbrella liability/property damage insurance.  Our bylaws require AMA membership before you fly solo.   AMA membership is not needed if you do not fly at all, or are being trained.

What equipment do I need?   You will need a trainer style airplane with an appropriate engine as well as a radio control system and support equipment to fuel and start your engine.

• A "40" or "60" size high wing trainer aircraft.   Four channel control is preferred but an airplane without ailerons is quite acceptable (3 channel).
• A .40 or .60 cubic inch displacement engine.   Alternatively, you can opt for electric power.
• A radio system with a minimum of 4 channels.   The lower cost radios are acceptable, but you might want to spend a bit more to get some of the added features that more expensive radios afford.   In particular, we highly recommend a radio with dual rates and exponential controls.  These features are normally available in radios with 6 or more channels.   "Computer" radios are nice, but not required.   But always look ahead optimistically and assume that you will be wanting more features as you progress in your flying skills.
• Fuel, fuel pump, electric starter, and glow plug driver are needed if you are running a fueled engine.

Can I buy used equipment?   With care!   Consult with an experienced pilot before purchasing used equipment.  Radio technology has changed dramatically for the better in the last few years.   Older equipment should be very suspect.

When and where are club meetings?   Club meetings are always the second Wednesday evening of each month beginning at 7:00 PM.   In the summer months they are at the flying field, in the cooler months they are at Mt. Pleasant Home in Dubuque.   The meetings are moved from the flying field to Mt Pleasant Home if one of the following conditions exist:

• There is a Severe Weather Watch
• Wind is too high for most members to fly (over 10 mph)
• Temperature is less than 60F and wind other than calm
• There is significant threat of rain