Warwick airport hosts first annual Warwick Fun Fly

WARWICK - Warwick Municipal Airport was buzzing with activity Saturday as more than 80 pilots demonstrated daredevil maneuvers including thrilling acrobatics or hovering a few feet over the ground while pointing straight up and hanging on the prop. There were more than 200 aircraft involved including both land and seaplanes, jet turbines and helicopters. But not to worry. This was no ordinary air show and the local airport has not changed from its normally quiet and neighbor friendly status. This particular event was the first annual “Warwick Fun Fly” and the pilots never left the ground. They were flying radio-controlled model aircraft under the safety rules established by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. And for them, it was a unique opportunity to put their land and sea aircraft through the paces at a full-scale airport and lake. Five local model aircraft clubs were represented including: the Wawayanda Flying Club, the Black Dirt Squadron, the Top O’ New Jersey R/C Flying Club, the Rockland County Radio Control Club and the Hudson Valley Radio Control Club. Model aircraft pilots follow many of the same rules and restrictions as all airplane pilots and must be tested and qualified or supervised by someone who is. Novice flyers, for example, are not permitted to fly solo until they have passed a flying proficiency test administered and signed off by two qualified instructors. They can only fly with the assistance of a qualified club instructor. The model airplanes, seaplanes and helicopters also remain well within the boundaries of the airport and generally fly below 400 feet. And the safety of the spectators is a priority. “If everything goes well,” said Airport Manager Dave MacMillan, “we’ll be happy to do this again.”