This club is not just for RC Helicopters – it flies both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
Normally, Electric Helicopters are a bit of an “afterthought” in clubs like this, which is why we tend not to cover them. However, Aberdeen Aeromodellers is the exception. Not only do they actively support the Radio Control Helicopters community, they host the Scottish RCH National Championships.
The club first hosted this event in 1994. Since then, every September sees thousands of heli fans descend on a flying field in Aberdeen – either to take part, or simply to add their support.
Visiting pilots of RC Helicopters are warmly welcomed - all the AAC ask is that you show proof of insurance if you want to fly.
The club is in a superb location, at a farm in the village of Banchory-Devenick, just outside Aberdeen. A quick click on the location link on the website appears to reveal wide open moorland and a rough track leading to open pasture – perfect for flying larger Electric Helicopters.
While this was certainly true when the club was formed in the 1930s (not that there were such things as RC Electric Helicopters then!) building development has gradually encroached. The club field is now surrounded by modern housing developments, with the inevitable friction that this causes.
Although residents have a right to peace and safety in their own back yards, it does seem unfair that the original sole residents are now under threat from these modern “outsiders.”
A quick scan of the AAC Flying Rules page reveals a total intolerance for pilots who don’t obey them. However, it seems this isn’t enough for the locals. This paragraph is from the same page:
“Club members are requested to keep the noise levels of their engines to a socially acceptable level and avoid flying close to habitation. Public complaints in respect of this are on the increase and the authorities will again revoke our permission to operate in the event of further complaints.”
Again? Perhaps this is why the club is so keen on Electric Helicopters which, as we all know, are the perfect solution to flying in built up areas.