The Sierra Sagebrush Flyers (SSF), a local radio control (RC) flying club, has partnered with the Douglas CountyParks and Recreation Department to preserve and maintain the County’s model airplane flying field near the fairgrounds. The partnership is highlighted by SSF’s $12,000 contribution toward critical pavement restoration.
Community Services Director Brook Adie emphasized the value of collaboration, stating, “The County values partnerships with local volunteer nonprofit groups where it makes sense to help offset costs and preserve recreational opportunities within the community.”
SSF President Dan St. John shared the club’s appreciation for the partnership: “We are grateful that the County Parks and Recreation Department maintains the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) certified flying field. After considering several options for the much-needed pavement restoration, the best solution was to contribute to the County’s pavement preservation program. We are proud to contribute a significant portion of our savings from fundraisers and generous donations, along with a $3,000 field improvement grant from the AMA.”
Work on the field is expected to begin this spring, with a final slurry seal planned for late summer.
Founded in the early 1990s, SSF is an AMA-chartered club (Club #2649, Region 10) with more than 60 members. The club welcomes the public to visit the flying field on Saturday mornings after 9 a.m. The County has utilized this location for model aviation since the 1980s, when early enthusiasts flew from a graded desert strip.
The existing asphalt runway, measuring 500 by 60 feet with a 2,500-square-foot apron, was originally paved in 1994. Over time, the surface has developed significant cracking due to age, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. The upcoming project will repair cracks using hot mix asphalt and rubberized sealants before applying a slurry seal to the entire 32,500-square-foot runway. SSF volunteers will also assist with shoulder grading and re-striping. These improvements are expected to extend the life of the runway by 5 to 10 years.
Beyond facility improvements, SSF continues to support competitive aviation and youth engagement. In 2025, a 19-year-old club member earned the Bronze Division Championship in the Sacramento Area Modelers Warbird Pylon Racing Series and plans to advance to the Silver Division this year. Another member will compete at the National RC Sailplane Championships in Muncie, Indiana.
The club has also expanded its community outreach through “Learn to Fly” programs in partnership with local schools and Douglas County Parks and Recreation Summer Day Camp. Recreation Coordinator Dennis Hubbard noted, “The kids really enjoyed the hands-on flying experience, staff included.”
SSF Vice President Al Castator added, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the excitement on a young person’s face when they realize they are actually controlling an aircraft in the sky. Our club is affiliated with the nationwide Academy of Model Aeronautics, and we have the equipment, resources, and expertise to help anyone interested in learning to fly or build model aircraft.”
For more information about the Sierra Sagebrush Flyers, visit sierrasagebrushflyers.org.
