Events Calendar

September 2010
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Recent Uploaded Photos

Proud dad and son Jamie with spoils from 2009 FSS Series
Jim Blacketer receives the 2009 award for 1st place Sportsman in Saturday series
Rick Horlander receives the 2009 award for 2nd place Sportsman in Saturday series
Rick Eckel receives the 2009 award for 1st place Expert in Saturday series
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About Orlando Buzzards

Rick Eckel launches his AvA. A RES (Rudder, Elevator, Spoiler) thermal duration contest design.

Rick Eckel launches his AvA. A RES (Rudder, Elevator, Spoiler) thermal duration contest design.

Good day and welcome to the Orlando Buzzards Radio Control Soaring Society, a non-profit fraternal organization established for the enjoyment by its members of radio control model soaring. The objective of the club is participation in competition and sport flying.  Sport flyers make up the majority of the club. Members build and fly gliders of all sizes – ranging from as small as 24 inch wingspan to some over 16 feet across. These soaring machines are usually launched into the air with an electric winch to begin a flight. At that point the pilot steers the airplane to where he believes there are rising currents of air to keep his model aloft. Sometimes flights can last for over an hour and in good conditions even a beginner can keep his sailplane airborne for a long time.

The Orlando Buzzards are members of the Florida Soaring Society (FSS) and supports the principles and goals of the League of Silent Flight (LSF). FSS is a statewide organization with a current membership of four participating soaring clubs who sponsor weekend contests throughout the year. Participation in the FSS contest lets interested pilots compete for trophies/medallions at each contest and for year end trophy awards. Contesting is an excellent way to improve soaring skills rapidly.

The League of Silent Flight is an organization that publishes a series of soaring tasks for accomplishment by new and experienced pilots. As tasks are completed in a series of five levels pilots are awarded certificates of achievement. LSF Level V pilots are few and far between. Those who have reached this level have demonstrated an unusually thorough mastery of sailplane piloting skills.

Most of the sport flying activity is at the club home field on Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 3 pm, however members are entitled to field access at any time.

The Xplorer (a molded carbon fiber Unlimited aircraft) comes in for a landing.

The Xplorer (a molded carbon fiber Unlimited aircraft) comes in for a landing.

Our “home field” is an approximately 20 acre site located just off of Red Ember Road in Oviedo. The land is owned and generously made available for our use by the Seminole Community College. The field is managed by the society through dues and contest proceeds. Members are granted access to the field through a locked gate. The combination to the lock is available once a flyer is accepted as a member. Two metal storage sheds are located on the northeast corner of the property. They are owned by the club and used to store equipment for contests and sport flying. All equipment is property of the club and maintained by its members.

Club meetings are held monthly on the first Saturday of the month at the Home field. Guests are welcome to attend the meetings. From time to time, the date and/or time of a club meeting may be changed. Information about the next meeting is available on the events calendar.

The Buzzards host two FSS contests each year as well as the Gentle Lady “Plus” event and the premier Tangerine Soaring Championship. The club also hosts a 4 contest series for a specific class such as RES or 2M. Details of each of theses events and their dates can be found on the Contest Schedule. These contests raise much of the money the club requires for equipment and maintenance.

Jamie Buckland sends his Icon on her way.

Jamie Buckland sends his Icon on her way.

Ed White with his contest winning Gentle Lady

Ed White with his contest winning Gentle Lady

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