The Speedworld RC Flyers have been through a lot. In the fall of 2012, they were between a rock and a hard place. The club field is located on the Speedworld Raceway Park complex in Surprise, Arizona, outside of Phoenix. The racing complex included auto, motorcycle, ATV, and BMX racing in addition to the RC field.
The complex’s operator leased the property from the Arizona State Land Department and then subleased it to the Speedworld RC Flyers. The Land Department found that the operator had done unapproved construction in violation of the lease. This put everyone using the complex in jeopardy. The agency shut down all operations at the complex on November 1, 2012.
This was a serious issue, and it looked as though it would be the end for this field, which, in addition to hosting a large amount of sport flying, had one of the finest facilities for RC Pylon Racing in the country.
Regaining the field was tough. There were lawsuits between Arizona State Land Development and the operator of the complex that needed to be resolved before the land department would even speak to Speedworld RC Flyers. In July 2013, these lawsuits were cleared and negotiations could begin to reopen the field.
During this time they endured a raft of vandalism. The club’s building was stripped of electrical wiring and junction boxes. A wall was torn down to get into the kitchen and the barbecues and generators were stolen. The club members did their best to keep a watch on the site, but the theft and vandalism continued.
One of the sticking points in the negotiations was over property liability—not just the RC field but the entire 344-acre parcel! The AMA was able to address all of the land department’s concerns and on October 1, 2013, flying resumed.
Bob Baratko, Speedworld RC Flyers president, said, “The AMA was fantastic to work with. We wouldn’t be in our field without their assistance and it is deeply appreciated. Our club members hung in through thick and thin. A lot of people said we never see our field again, but with our members’ help, we got it back.”
It was my pleasure to attend the Speedworld RC Flyers’ Jet Rally along with our new associate vice presidents for Phoenix, Jim Mohan, Kurtis Chandler, and Alan Friedman. Here are some of my favorite photos from the event.
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Arizona Contest Coordinator Howard Kennedy has decided to split his time between Arizona and Maine. Howard thought it best that someone living in Arizona full time take over.
Bob Bayles has volunteered to take on the responsibility of processing your Arizona contest sanctions. Please help me welcome Bob to the team.
While we’re on the subject of sanctions, have you tried the online sanction system? It is nice to use. My last sanction was quickly approved and I had all documents in my possession in less than a week from requesting the sanction. Try it! I know you’ll like it.
Until next month, may you have nothing but happy landings.
