Warwick airport hosts second annual Fun Fly

WARWICK - On Saturday, June 18, jets were taking off from Warwick Municipal Airport. Once again the field was buzzing with activity as over 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. The aircraft involved included land and seaplanes, jet turbines and helicopters. However, this was no ordinary air show. And Warwick airport has not changed from its normally quiet and neighbor friendly status. At the second annual “Warwick Fun Fly,” 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 another opportunity to put their land and sea aircraft through the paces at a full-scale airport and adjacent seaplane base. 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 strict rules and restrictions 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. And those who fly jet turbine models, which can travel at higher speeds, must be certified by two certified jet turbine model fliers. 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.