Come Fly With Us
We are an AMA chartered radio controlled model airplane club located in western North Carolina between the cities of Lenoir and Hickory. Our members regularly fly a variety of models. Our field has a large FRIA area to fly in, and a large overfly area with no obstructions. Our intro pilots help newcomers with every aspect of the hobby, and can help you decide on equipment to purchase, getting you in the air safely and quickly.
Regular events bring pilots from all over our region
Easy steps to get started in RC
Connect with an intro pilot
Our intro pilots will guide you through the initial steps to learn RC flying. From first flight, they will provide instruction to take you on to flying solo safely. Connect with one of our team to discuss a first flight and steps to be succesful.
Join the AMA
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguarding of modeling activities.
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education, and scientific/technical development to modelers.
Join Here
Register and Take the TRUST test
Before flying, all RC pilots must register with the FAA and take the TRUST test
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is an FAA-approved Test Administrator of The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
TRUST is a collaboration between the FAA and industry to provide TRUST and educational safety material to Recreational Flyers
Register with FAATake the TRUST test
Join CAM
Fill out our membership form, pay annual dues, and attend a club meeting
Meetings are held at the flying field on the third Sunday of each month at 2pm
Membership Info
About our field
Located atop a mountain, our field has a large FRIA with extensive unpopulated overfly area. Geotextile and grass runways allow for most model types.With no neigbors, our members enjoy a variety of models whether electric, glow or gas.
Open during daylight hours only - Click for a map of field location
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Multiple Runway Surfaces
275ft x 25ft Fabric
300ft x 30ft Grass -
Large FRIA
We have the largest FRIA in the area with a max altitude 400ft AGL above the closest mountain top -
Isolated Location
No neighbors -
No Obstructions
Clear sight lines surround the field, with no trees, power lines, or other obstructions within the flight area
Members enjoying some flying and socializing
Club Information and Membership
The annual membership year is January 1 to December 31
All members must be a current member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Associate members are exempt from joining AMA.
New flying members may join our club on the grounds that they join AMA before flying solo at our field.
Student flyers are exempt from joining AMA for the first thirty (30) days while flying with an AMA registered Intro Pilot.
Annual dues for current members are payable to the Secretary/Treasurer by January 1st of each year. A 30 day grace period will be extended to members in good standing with the club and with no outstanding fees. After 30 days, if dues are unpaid, flying privileges will be revoked.
Annual dues are $60.00 per year for adults age eighteen (18) or older; $35.00 for senior citizens age sixty (60) or older; youth members under age eighteen (18) are free.
Dues will be discounted for additional family members LIVING IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD. Each additional family member will receive a fifty (50) percent discount, after the first family member has paid full price.
Club dues will be pro-rated for new members only. The dues will be discounted twenty five (25) percent per quarter. Re-joining members will not be pro-rated.
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Monthly Meetings
Meetings are held at the field, at 2pm on the third Sunday of each month
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Elected Officers
President: Aubrey Smith
Vice President: Chris Roberts
Treasurer: Doug Gast
Secretary: Mike Howe -
Appointed Officers
Safety Officer: Richard Smith
Field Marshall: Ted Fleming
Activity Coordinator: Terry Gilliland
Contest Committee Chairman: Terry Gilliland, Vic Welland
Instructor Pilots: Chris Roberts , Butch Clark
CAM Caldwell Aeromodelers - AMA Charter Club 3470
2025 Membership Application / Renewal
Complete Membership form and mail with payment, or bring to club meeting
By completing and signing membership form, all applicants agree to:
- Abide by all By-laws, Rules and Safety codes published by CAM (Caldwell Aeromodelers) and the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
- Produce a valid AMA card number for the year of application (This is important for insurance and FRIA reasons)
- Members should also have a valid Federal Registration number (required by FAA)
- Members should have taken the FAA's 'TRUST' test
CAM By Laws AMA Safety Code Membership Form