CL flying site conditions Flushing Meadow Park NYC (State of Repair)

[Peter Nevai]

In the As Time goes Bye part of this forum site. Someone posted pictures of a old CL site in the Ukraine. It had not been in use for many years. Anyway It looked as if the main paved flying circle was in pretty good shape. So I figured I'd use google earth to take a look at the Flushing Meadow CL site to compare. Well needless to say it is in sad shape. One of the paved circles is unuseable and the other not far behind. At least it looks like they mowed the grass. But you can't tell really from arial photos.

A hopeful sign is that someone was actually using the site. OK who can Identify the person or persons that own the planes now immortalized in google earth?
Google earth reports the image as being from June 17th 2010

Imagine if this site was in prime condidion, you could as in the past hold significant CLPA events here. It is adjacent to two major highways, is not too far from ther NYC subway system. With a couple of golf carts you could easily ferry contestants between the subway station and the field for those who perhaps fly in from out of town and do not have rental cars, or take the Path trains in from Jersey. Heck you could even connect to the Train to the Plane which services JFK.  The location of this field makes it possible to Fly in, Compete, and Fly out all in the same day, It's no more than 30 minutes from 2 major NY airports. Heck you can take a Cab as some CL'rs have done often in the past.

It is telleing that within  the 5 boroughs and a population of 8,175,133 people. There are not enough CL flyers to start a sanctioned club and petition the AMA to cough up some funds to perhaps refurbish this site. As long as it is still there, there is a chance, but once the parks Dept rips it out You'll never have the chance again. And it seems like there is city money, as they are rebuilding the lake boat house that is a couple hundred yards away from this site.

But sadly it sits there deterioriating more and more each year, until it's gone to dust like the rest of this hobby.

[Allen Brickhaus]

Golconda International has been under water for about two weeks.  The road is not dry enough to get out there yet.  I need to mow but need access to the site.  The circle can be seen in the upper left corner of the picture.  The circle has five (four to six foot) marker polls on the west, to north, to the east sides of the circle.

Allen Brickhaus

[Steve Fitton]

Those are Lampione's planes on the Flushing circles. His colour schemes are readily visible from space...

[Neal Beekman]

We have the Best Flying Site on the East Coast The Circles are ready and the grass is cut come fly with us.  Neal Beekman New York Stunt Team. :)Controline only, as we are in a landing pattern for LGA No R/C.

[Mike Palko]

It sure beats GSCB and Neshaminy when it comes to wind. Now if only there wasn't that risk of someone walking off with your airplane.

Neal, you going to make it to Brodak's this year?

[Peter Nevai]

We have the Best Flying Site on the East Coast The Circles are ready and the grass is cut come fly with us.  Neal Beekman New York Stunt Team. :)Controline only, as we are in a landing pattern for LGA No R/C.

Where is the field? To be under the approach to LGA the only other place I can figure is in Astoria somewhere. I'm stuck out here right down the road from Islip airport in LI. No car, so I would have to take the LIRR in and then cab it from Jamaica Station.

[Joe Mig]

Wow Neal on Wednesday the grass was quite high and when you were leaving you said that you were going to make a phone call.
Well a little latter that day they came and cut the grass.  You have the pull get them to redo it

[Peter Nevai]

Wow, a whole 3 people flying CLPA in the 5 boroughs out of 8 million! And they say that CLPA is really thriving  Dang I'd bet there are more buggy whip manufacturers out there. Some one has to supply those horse drawn carriges at central park, which there are more of as well.

[Neal Beekman]

Peter showup on Saturday morning and you will see the best in NYC. Mike Palco I will not be able to attend Brodak's this year ,will miss all the action.  Peter lets see what you have, and how well you fly.

[Neal Beekman]

And Joe I spoke to Louis and he promissed to get ASAP, It seems like we are not the only ones using the Park. also other groups are money makers.

[Peter Nevai]

Peter showup on Saturday morning and you will see the best in NYC. Mike Palco I will not be able to attend Brodak's this year ,will miss all the action.  Peter lets see what you have, and how well you fly.

Are you refering to FMP? I still did not get a clear idea of where this great field is that you refer to. Below is a photo of my last plane, sold it back in 06. Trying to figure out what to build next as I have very few resources in NY. All my model stuff is at home in FLA. So I have to put together a NY set, can't be schelping it back and forth. BTW anything I build will need pavement or very short grass as I always finish off the landing gear with low profile wheels and pants.

[ChrisSarnowski]

So what is the deal with Bethpage State Park? As I remember they have both a nice polo field and big open lots at the picnic area. No chance for flying there?

-Chris

[Peter Nevai]

So what is the deal with Bethpage State Park? As I remember they have both a nice polo field and big open lots at the picnic area. No chance for flying there?

-Chris

State parks can be tricky spots concerning model planes. Will have to check into it. Perhaps there is some enlightening info online. Thankyou

[Peter Nevai]

First off, I've been flying at FMP off on on since I started with my dad back in 1971. I was a member of Forest Park MAC. My dad built some radical CL models. One a scale model of a 727 and a much larger scale B-58 hustler, which was featured as a centerfold in Flying Models magazine. I flew a bunch of different stuff. A red scale beechcraft stag wing bipe, converted sterling rc P-63, black ringmaster imperial, sig mustang stunter, red midwest me09 profile, white with multi shade blue sig magnum, amongst others
.
The deteriation of this site saddens me, at one time it could be said it probably was one of the best sites in the country, but no longer. Now it's just one of the few left. Used to be so many people there you waited an hour or so until your turn came around again, the place full of activity all day long, two contests each summer, those were the days.

[Joe Mig]

Where is the field?

It is in FMP take a look and zoom out and move around so you can get an idea.   Some of the nicest people I ever met.
 http://wikimapia.org/1787501/Flushing-Meadows-Control-Line-Model-Airplane-Flying-Field

[Joe Mig]

First off, I've been flying at FMP off on on since I started with my dad back in 1971.

So then you know were it is .

[Peter Nevai]

So then you know were it is .

Yes, somewhere along this thread, I came to believe there was a different site. I am confused, looking at the photos looks like the perimeter af pad 1 is broken up and crumbling, needs repaving, another winter or two and pad 1 will be toast. The benches had not been replaced, trees growing and damaging the chain link, I'll bet the gates are still gone. No picnic tables anymore. So when someone said they had the best site on the east coast I assumed it was a different location.

Listen Guys, All who believe the AMA is vested in all of model aviation. The CL aerodrome in FMP is nearingits 50th anniversary, As far as I know it went in around the time of the New York worlds fair. I wonder how many dedicated CL fields are that old and still in use. How about getting the AMA to put the money where it's mouth is and pay for the refurbishment of the site, to celebrate the 50th aniversary.

[louie klein]

Hi Guys, There are a couple of us out on the east end wanting to get active in c/l again. We have the usual problem with a flying site. I have an idea I am going to run by my buds and that being once a month or more making the pilgrimage into Queens and spend the whole day flying. Getting together with the FMP crew and have fun flying!----LOUIE KLEIN  

[Peter Nevai]

Hi Guys, There are a couple of us out on the east end wanting to get active in c/l again. We have the usual problem with a flying site. I have an idea I am going to run by my buds and that being once a month or more making the pilgrimage into Queens and spend the whole day flying. Getting together with the FMP crew and have fun flying!----LOUIE KLEIN  

Hi louie,
If you have the room, Id love to tag along. Depending on where your at. I'm two blocks from Islip McArthur AP.

[builditright]

Has anyone visited the flying field in Forest Park?


http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.6969167&lon=-73.8694753&z=19&l=0&m=b&v=8&ifr=1

[Joe Mig]

Has anyone visited the flying field in Forest Park?


http://wikimapia.org/#lat=40.6969167&lon=-73.8694753&z=19&l=0&m=b&v=8&ifr=1

I have with the kids and a 1/2 a or two.   Great on 25 to 30 foot lines after that the trees could be a problem. I called the Parks dept to see if the trees could be trimmed but on help.
 It is a bit dangerous crossing the street from were you park as well.  It is nice to go back to the grass roots thou.

[Neal Beekman]

Peter stay where you fly now, we had no room for other flyers at FMP today, three circles in use.

[John KruziK]

Those tree's in forest park where a problem even back in the 70's. 

[Joe Mig]

Too bad I missed you there today Neal as I got there a little late and the guy's were packing it in as the wind was starting to pick up.  I had Little Joe with me and he was ready to fly but we decided to wait until Monday for him to fly his ship.   

[jim gilmore]

if the b-58 was the model I think it was I remember him from when I flew....I was about 18 then......no longer though...

[louie klein]

Peter, I sent you A PM about flying.----LOUIE 

[Michael Boucher]

Peter, Are there any places to fly out in Suffolk? 

[Ron Heckler]

Hi Peter,

Your are right, those were the days. I started there in 1975 and knew a few of the flyers from the Crazy Eights who flew with us. Unfortunately we have lost too many of our flyers at FMP, but we are still going strong.

The Parks Dept. works with us in keeping it up, especially when it comes to cutting the grass. I have stressed this point with them that is for safety reasons we request the grass cut for weekends.

As far as the rest is concerned, after the hurricane that came through the park, they have replaced trees and are still working on repairing part of our fence that was taken down with trees.  All in all, as Neal said, it is the best flying site on the East coast and convenient for people who live in Queens. However, there are a few who come from various parts of Long Island, even as far as Babylon.  We have a great club and I am very proud to be part of it. 

So before people comment on the condition of a flying site and discourage other flyers from using it, they should visit it in
person and be sure of the facts.

Ron Heckler
New York Control Line Stunt Team

I guess he was trying to show you that by posting the pictures I took of him flying this past Saturday.

[Chris McMillin]

I used to fly there when I lived in Long Beach. When I have LGA layovers I always walk over to the field to see how it's doing. I have never seen it so bad I couldn't fly a model there. For the last few years I haven't seen anyone flying models there, but I'm usually there on weekday evenings. I thought it looked perfectly usable last year.
Chris...

[M Spencer]

You will have to get it listed with youre Historic Places Trust, and preserved at the Govts expense .

[jose modesto]

Peter the go ogle photo was taken the week of Brodack. I will post a typical flying weekend at FMCP
Our field is lovingly maintained by our AMA sanctioned club. Mr. Neal Beekman is the principle steward of the field.
What you see as very dark lines are area were we have patched the cracks with first concrete then asphalt. our club has purchased multiple wead whackers that are used for smaller grass cutting projects (edge around circle)
Mr. Neal Beekman Retired FDNY and first responder (911) Has great relations with Parks Department administrators and our field receives their attention.
During our 2 AMA sanctioned contest the parks department will cut the grass twice in that week. for a club with 30 members our influence with the parks department far out weighs our size.
Mr. Joe Ortiz was the previous stewart of our beloved FMCP during the 1980's and 90's he with the help of the club members maintained this field.
When we say the best Field in the north east
1st two paved concrete  circles
2ND two grass circles
3rd since the tornado of last year that went through the flying field, a couple of real nuisance trees were up rooted and now have stunt heaven air in all directions. ( I threatened in several occasions to cut that tree also sent a couple of prayers i guess they were answered)
Peter come on down we would love to have you fly with us. I have multiple models from gas to electric that i can privide for you. Peter just tell us what size model we will have one for you
Jose Modesto

[peabody]

Peter....instead of grousing....get ahold of Neal.....I am sure that you could be put to work and that your efforts would be appreciated.

[Peter Nevai]

if the b-58 was the model I think it was I remember him from when I flew....I was about 18 then......no longer though...

Hi Jim, I thought someone would remember that one. My dad could never fly, so I was the test pilot. The 58 flew well when the speed was up but sunk like a stone when the power quit. The little 727 WAS MUCH BETTER as it had throttle. It had a OS 20 rc mounted on the outboard wing. The 58 had a fox 59 in the nose. He also built a couple flying disks covered in bright gold mylar. The most interesting was a radically swept wing black T Tailed profile stunter with the engine mounted on the outboard wing. I could stand that plane on its tail and hover it. Can no remember what ever happened to that plane, I think hw may have converted it into the 727 a shame as it was his coolest creation. My dad was never into kits so many of his creations never got off the ground.

[Peter Nevai]

Peter, I sent you A PM about flying.----LOUIE 

Got it, thanks,

[Peter Nevai]

Peter, Are there any places to fly out in Suffolk? 

Hi Mike, The only places I know about are the ones I have found th as t would work (unofficial sites) like the spot disscussed under the hidden LI    flying site thread.

[Peter Nevai]

Peter the go ogle photo was taken the week of Brodack. I will post a typical flying weekend at FMCP
Our field is lovingly maintained by our AMA sanctioned club. Mr. Neal Beekman is the principle steward of the field.
What you see as very dark lines are area were we have patched the cracks with first concrete then asphalt. our club has purchased multiple wead whackers that are used for smaller grass cutting projects (edge around circle)
Mr. Neal Beekman Retired FDNY and first responder (911) Has great relations with Parks Department administrators and our field receives their attention.
During our 2 AMA sanctioned contest the parks department will cut the grass twice in that week. for a club with 30 members our influence with the parks department far out weighs our size.
Mr. Joe Ortiz was the previous stewart of our beloved FMCP during the 1980's and 90's he with the help of the club members maintained this field.
When we say the best Field in the north east
1st two paved concrete  circles
2ND two grass circles
3rd since the tornado of last year that went through the flying field, a couple of real nuisance trees were up rooted and now have stunt heaven air in all directions. ( I threatened in several occasions to cut that tree also sent a couple of prayers i guess they were answered)
Peter come on down we would love to have you fly with us. I have multiple models from gas to electric that i can privide for you. Peter just tell us what size model we will have one for you
Jose Modesto

Hi Joe, Thankyou so very much for your most gracious offer. One impossible to resist. I just have to work out the logistics so our schedules match. Right now my only mode of transport into queens would be LIRR and then a cab, over to the park, else I'd have to go to penn station to  change to a train to the shea stadium station. I'm out here in east islip, A couple blocks south of McArthure airport. I'll PM you with my mobile info. It is great that people have started using the site, for along time it looked as if the city would pull it out.

[Peter Nevai]

Peter....instead of grousing....get ahold of Neal.....I am sure that you could be put to work and that your efforts would be appreciated.

If I were not 40 miles from the park and without a car I'd be the first to volunteer. But I would have to rent a vehicle about 47 bucks a day +gas or train and cab it, about 10 bucks cheaper and abouts 3 hours round trip.

[jose modesto]

Peter LIRR to Jamaica down stairs to E train to Roosevelt ave jackson heights 10 min. then upstairs to the #7 train another 15 min. Peter from Nassau county to The park in under 1.2 hours
My home is 5 min from the Jamaica station we may be able to arrange to have you picked up at Jamaica/LIRR from there by car is 10 min. to the flying field.
From my home to the park in under 10 min. this is Sat and Sunday mornings before 9 am. not bad for NYC.
Peter reach out I'm certain that arrangements will be made for your visit. in the photos that i posted you can see the black take off area and the cracks in the pavement that look so ominous, in Goggle photo, yet are but a nuisance at worst.
all cracks have been patched and weeds are routinely removed from the main circle.
Reach out come fly with us arrangements for transport and model will be made for you. If you like profiles to start with we have gas and electric models available.
Jose Modesto

[john e. holliday]

If you have an Ace Hardware,  get their Weed-B-Gone chemical.   I mix it a little stronger than the instructions say and it is cheaper in the long run than Round Up.  The stuff will also takeout grass. 

Found out in Topeka that the circle over in Missouri was taken out right I looked at it and made an inquirey.   

[jim gilmore]

I'd visit fmp more often but I am in ,astoria and the walk for the 7 train is about 30-40 mins....
wish they had a better way to get nearer the fields..

[Peter Nevai]

Golf Cart, hide it at the boat house, no,  a hover round, no, thats a single seater. I suppose you can phone someone when you get to the station and they can come get you? Just have to station the meanest, biggest, nastiest, biker looking gnarly CL'r at the vacated parking spot with a shotgun so the space is not snatched?