The Franklin County Radio Control Club’s “Father’s Day Fun Fly” is once again landing at the Turners Falls Municipal Airport, inviting remote control aircraft enthusiasts to take to the skies to raise money for a Ukraine charity.
The event, which began in 2011 and was last held publicly in 2019, invites fans to watch club members flaunt their aircraft and engage in “combat” with top-of-the-line remote control planes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at 110 Industrial Boulevard.
“The idea is to cut the streamers at the end of the airplane, but you usually end up having a couple good bashes in the sky,” explained David Korpiewski, organizer and former club president.
Korpiewski said those interested in attending should expect to be wowed by the array of planes and helicopters.
“They’re really impressive to look at and they fly like the real thing,” he said.
Organizer and current Franklin County Radio Control Club President Ted Toothaker said that at its peak, the event brought out around 1,200 attendees, including a number of local pilots eager to show off their state-of-the-art aircraft. This year, he said, between 18 and 30 members will be in attendance. In terms of aircraft, Korpiewski said, there will be “at least 100.”
“We’re expecting guys from other clubs, so we’re expecting a plethora of different styles there,” Korpiewski added.
In addition to hosting the show, the club will accept donations and conduct a raffle. All proceeds will go toward a Ukraine benefit charity started by Korpiewski, who recently helped his Ukrainian daughter escape from the war-torn country and has been shipping supplies overseas to benefit refugees.
“Not only is it for fun … but it’s something we figured we could roll into what Dave’s doing for Ukraine,” Toothaker said of the Fun Fly. “The fighting goes on, so to help with a cause that is so close to home … rings volumes.”
Korpiewski specified that the money will be used to buy first aid kits, tracheotomy equipment and tourniquets.
https://www.recorder.com/Father-s-Day-Fun-Fly-raising-money-for-Ukraine-charity-46856290