ROTATE© Newsletter

SLRCFA Newsletter

January 2026

SLRCFA New Year’s Day “First Flight of the Year”

We had a great turnout for our annual first flight of the year event, with over 14 pilots braving the early morning cold. Joe Summers had the honor of the first flight with his Freewing T-33. Soon after Joe's perfect flight, the whole crew joined in and the sky was filled with foamies. It was a fun morning—everyone flew until the fire died down and fingers started to get cold! Thanks to everyone who came out!

Spirit Air Show 2026

Mark your calendars for this year’s SLRCFA exhibit at the Spirit Air Show, June 6–7. Similar to 2024, we will be displaying aircraft and hosting a flight simulator table at the STEM exhibit. We are looking for volunteers willing to display their planes or help man the sim tables. This is a fantastic experience and a great way to spread the word about our club while enjoying everything the Spirit Air Show has to offer.

Any member wishing to help can get a volunteer ticket to the show for just $10. Volunteers should arrive at the beginning of the day and plan to stay for the full duration, as volunteer parking closes while the show is in progress.

If interested, please send an email to webmaster@SLRCFA.com.

Camp and Fly 2026

June 11–14 will be our annual Camp and Fly event! We hope you will come fly with us. All types of planes are welcome. We are planning something special this year, so be sure not to miss it.

Planning is in the early stages and we are looking for volunteers to help with a number of tasks—manning the grill, collecting parking fees, handling raffle sales, etc. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Scott Meier or Larry Leuchtmann, or email webmaster@SLRCFA.com.

Winter Projects

It’s that time of year when snowy weather and cold temps mean we’re spending more time at the project bench than on the flight line! Here’s what some of our members are working on:

• Ronald Willenbrink is assembling his brand-new KAOS with a Supertiger 90.
• Dave Ludwig has a new look in mind for his Freewing F-4.
• Jeff Adams is studying the intricacies of the NX8+ and all its features.
• James Speelman is preparing his new PAU Extra 104.
• Ryan Schneider is building his first gas-powered plane—an Extreme Flight Raven!
• Denny Sparks is finishing up a Top Flite Zero and an HSD F-86.
• Bill Bierman is tracking down a project for his first balsa build and will be getting started soon!
• Steve Corio gave his EF Yak a PowerSafe receiver and upgraded the carburetor. He fixed some extension connectors in the wing, mounted the aileron connectors in the fuselage of his Kadet Senior, is converting his Valiant to electric, and fixed a bunch of random items on his Gee Bee. He’s been busy!
• Bill Ott always has a number of projects in the works. Some of his recently finished ones include a Flex Mamba and a 6.4m Cyclone glider!
• Larry Leuchtmann has been working on a 100-inch Phoenix Slick.
• And Bob Scheple gets an honorable mention for responding, “I could probably spend the rest of the winter just cleaning off my workbench.”

Safety Minute

As more members venture into the world of gas planes, we remind everyone to please keep all fuel containers out from under—and away from—the pavilion.

We also have a new safety officer this year. For any safety issues in 2026, please speak with Steve Corio!

Indoor!

Indoor flying has really taken off this year! If you haven't tried this fun way to fly, consider joining us for one of our indoor Fridays at Central Baptist Church in Eureka. We fly every Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the gymnasium. We've been having a stellar season with fantastic attendance—come join the fun!

QuickStart

We are still looking for trainers for the 2026 season. If you are interested in participating in the QuickStart program next year as a trainer, please reach out to Larry Leuchtmann (Loochy88@gmail.com).

Have Something You’d Like To Add?

Have news you’d like to share with the club, interesting new RC flying information, or maybe a plane for sale? Let us know and we can publish it here in the newsletter. Send an email to SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com!

Feb 4th Board Meeting

Feb 4, 2026
6:00 PM

Location
Daniel Boone Library
300 Clarkson Rd, Ellisville, MO 63011
( Daniel Boone Branch of the St. Louis County Library)

ROTATE – The SLRCFA Newsletter December 2025

SLRCFA New Year’s Day “First Flight of the Year”

Kick off 2026 with our annual New Year's Day Fly-In! Join us on January 1, 2026 around 9:30 AM for a day of aviation fun.

Members: We’ll hold a drawing for the honor of the first flight of the year. Afterwards, everyone is invited to take to the air—brave the chill and experience the thrill of flying on the first day of the new year!

Guests of members and spectators are encouraged to join us.

SLRCFA Christmas Party

The 2025 SLRCFA Christmas Party was held at The Timbers in Eureka on December 11.

In addition to a catered dinner, attendees connected with fellow club members and enjoyed good-natured fun during the White Elephant Gift Exchange.

Congratulations to the following members:

• Scott Maier – President’s Exceptional Volunteerism Award (for Scott’s contributions to the Club’s Flying events)
• Thomas Arrighi – President’s Above and Beyond Award (for Tom’s initiative in replacing the Field Charging Table with a slick new design)
• Donald Nelson – President’s Outlet Guru Award (for Don’s initiative in installing new power strips for the charging table)
• Kolten Spies and Douglas Brewer – 2025 Rookies of the Year
• James Speelman – Winner of Spektrum NX20 Transmitter Raffle

The Club also raised $165 for the Eureka Food Pantry.

Meet Your 2026 Board of Directors

The election for the 2026 SLRCFA Board of Directors concluded at the 2025 Christmas Party. Thank you to all members who voted!

2026 Board of Directors:

• Dennis Chivetta – President
• Jay Wilson – Vice President
• John DeLuca – Secretary
• Larry Collins – Treasurer
• Larry Leuchtmann – Director, QuickSTART Coordinator, & Webmaster
• Kurt Seiter – Director & Field Maintenance Supervisor
• Kerry Eisenbach – Director
• Mike Stellern – Director
• Tony Francik – Director
• Allan Main – Director
• Dave Bushek – Director
• Steven Corio – Director

Mark Your Calendars

• January Club Meeting – January 15 We plan to reinstate regular club meetings starting January 15 to discuss current issues affecting the club. More details coming soon!

• 2026 Spirit of St. Louis Airshow – June 6–7, 2026 SLRCFA has been invited to participate again. We will operate a display area, showcase our club and the RC hobby to the public, feature static displays of RC aircraft, and offer Real Flight Simulators for simulated RC flying.

  Volunteers are needed! Come support the club and the hobby, and stay to enjoy the airshow.

  For more information about SLRCFA’s display and volunteering, contact SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com. For airshow details and tickets: www.spirit-airshow.com

• 2026 Camp and Fly Date moved to June 13–14 to avoid conflicting with the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow.

• Jet Fly-In Scheduled for September 2–6.

Indoor Flying

Indoor flying resumes Friday, December 26 after a short Christmas break.

Join us every Friday at Eureka’s Central Baptist Church gymnasium, 6:00–9:00 PM. $5 per session

Safety Minute

Sometimes our best safety equipment are our eyes and voices. If you see a safety hazard or someone in harm’s way at the field, don’t hesitate to speak up or correct the situation.

We have a new Safety Officer for 2026: Please direct any safety issues to Steve Corio.

QuickStart

We are still looking for trainers for the 2026 season.

If you’re interested in participating in the QuickStart program as a trainer, please reach out to Larry Leuchtmann at SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com.

Have Something You’d Like To Add?

Have news to share with the club, interesting RC flying info, or a plane for sale? Let us know—we can publish it in the newsletter.

Send your submissions to SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com!

ROTATE - The SLRCFA Newsletter 

November 2025

SLRCFA Christmas Party

The Annual SLRCFA Christmas Party will be held at The Timbers in Eureka on December 11^th from 6 to 9pm. 

Bring a wrapped gift to participate in the White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Membership renewals will also be collected to those members who prefer to pay at the Christmas Party instead of online. 

SLRCFA Christmas Party tickets are $25 will be available on the SLRCFA Website.  Dinner is included.  Merry Christmas!

Announcement: Voting Open for the 2026 SLRCFA Board

Attention SLRCFA Members,

We are excited to announce that the voting  period for the 2026 Board Member elections is now open and all Full and Prime Members are eligible.

Final day for voting will be December 11^th at our annual Christmas party.

Voting Methods:

Votes can be cast in the following ways:

1.     Electronic Vote

2.     Mailed, signed ballots (must be received by the Treasurer no later than the election meeting)

3.     In-person voting by paper ballot at the election meeting

Votes will be tallied, certified, and attested by the Secretary or a designee, one Director, and one Club Member present at the meeting.

We encourage all Full and Prime Members to cast a ballot.   Your participation is vital to our organization!  Thank you for being a part of the SLRCFA community!  If you did not receive a digital ballot and feel you should have please reach out to slrcfawebmaster@gmail.com.

Winter Prep

Much of the winter prep work at the field has been completed.  Shade sails are down, and our flag has been taken down for the season.  Our flag was looking a little rough and will be replaced with a new one when we place it back up.  A special thanks to the grounds crew who worked diligently all summer to keep the field looking great!

Safety Minute

Flying RC airplanes in winter requires extra precautions due to cold weather, snow, and reduced visibility. Here are some winter tips from Ai Grok:

1. Check Weather Conditions:
   • Dress Warmly: Wear layered clothing, gloves, and insulated boots to stay warm. Use thin gloves or touchscreen-compatible ones to maintain control dexterity.
   • Stay Hydrated and Rested: Cold weather can mask dehydration or fatigue, which affects focus. Take breaks to warm up.
2. Battery Management:
   • Keep Batteries Warm: Cold temperatures reduce LiPo battery performance and capacity. Store batteries in an insulated bag or pocket close to your body before flying. Warm them to at least 40°F (4°C) before use.
   • Monitor Voltage: Cold weather drains batteries faster. Use a battery checker to ensure sufficient charge and avoid over-discharging, which can damage LiPos.
3. Airframe Preparation:
   • Inspect the Plane: Cold can make materials brittle. Check for cracks in the airframe, propellers, and control surfaces. Ensure all screws and connections are secure.

Indoor Flying

Our annual indoor flying season is underway now!  Join us each Friday at Eureka’s Central Baptist Church gymnasium.  6 to 9pm.   $5 per session.

Have Something You’d Like To Add?
Have news you’d like to share with the club, interesting new RC flying information, or maybe a plane for sale…?  Let us know and we can publish it here in our newsletter.  Send an email to SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com!

QuickStart

We are still looking for trainers for the 2026 season.  If you are interested in participating in the Quickstart program next year as a trainer, please reach out to Larry Leuchtmann (Loochy88@gmail.com)

ROTATE - The SLRCFA Newsletter
October 2025

Welcome to the new SLRCFA newsletter!  Keep your eyes here for the latest news and updates from around the club!

2025 Chili Fly

The SLRCFA 2025 Toys for Tots Chily fly was a big success!  Thanks to everyone who helped with the event and thanks to all who brought toys, chili, and donations!  We are excited to share the toys and raffle proceeds we collected and know that they will go to make some smiles this holiday season!  

This is our last flying event of 2025, but be sure to stay tuned for 2026 flying events!  

Welcome New Members 
Ben Baker
Bill Ott
Laurence Anderson

Mark Your Calendars:

SLRCFA Christmas Party

The Annual SLRCFA Christmas Party will be held at The Timbers in Eureka on December 11th. 

Bring a wrapped gift to participate in the White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Membership renewals will also be collected to those members who prefer to pay at the Christmas Party instead of online. 

SLRCFA Christmas Party tickets are $25 will be available on the SLRCFA Website (beginning in October) and at the door.  Dinner is included.  Merry Christmas!

Columbia IL RC Swap Meet
*not an SLRCFA club event

Looking for a deal on your next RC plane, or need some parts to fix the one you crashed? Check out the Columbia IL swap meet in November.  Details are as follows:

Saturday, November 15 - 8:00 am to Noon.
New Location - American Legion Hall 375 East Locust St. Columbia, IL 62236. 20 Minutes South of St. Louis.
Admission $5, Tables $10. 70+ tables, no reserves. First come, first served.

Safety Minute

Got a large gas engine airplane that you love to fly?  Our starting stations at each end of the field are the perfect plane retention setup.  If you choose to use these stations, please ensure to correctly communicate your takeoff intentions before taking flight.  

QuickStart

We are still looking for trainers for the 2026 season.  If you are interested in participating in the Quickstart program next year as a trainer, please reach out to Larry Leuchtmann (Loochy88@gmail.com)

Announcement: SLRCFA Board Member Nominations for 2026 Board

Attention SLRCFA Members,

We are excited to announce that the nomination period for the 2026 Board Member elections is now open. As outlined in our SLRCFA constitution, Section 06 – Board of Director Nominations and Elections, the nomination window will remain open for 30 days.

The upcoming elections will be held during our club's Christmas party on December 11, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to get involved and help shape the future of SLRCFA.

Nomination Process:

• Duration of Nominations: The nomination period started on October 13, 2025, and will close on November 12, 2025.
• Eligibility for Officer Nominees: All officer nominees must have served in a Board of Director role for a minimum of 10 months, unless otherwise approved by a Super-majority Board vote.
• Eligibility for Board of Director Nominees: All Board of Director nominees must have been active, voting members for at least 10 months, unless otherwise approved by a Super-majority Board vote.
• Election Voting: The Board of Directors election will occur over a one-week period, culminating at our December Club Christmas party and meeting scheduled on December 11th, 2025. 

Voting Methods:

Votes can be cast in the following ways:

1. Electronic Vote
2. Mailed, signed ballots (must be received by the Treasurer no later than the election meeting)
3. In-person voting by paper ballot at the election meeting

Votes will be tallied, certified, and attested by the Secretary or a designee, one Director, and one Club Member present at the meeting.

We encourage all members to consider nominating individuals who they believe would make extraordinary contributions to our board. Your participation is vital to our organization!  Please send nominations to SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com

Thank you for being a part of the SLRCFA community!

Indoor Flying

Our annual indoor flying season is underway now!  Join us each Friday at Eureka’s Central Baptist Church gymnasium.  6 to 9pm.   $5 per session.

Have Something You’d Like To Add?
Have news you’d like to share with the club, interesting new RC flying information, or maybe a plane for sale…?  Let us know and we can publish it here in our newsletter.  Send an email to SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com!

ROTATE - The SLRCFA Newsletter
September 2025

Welcome to the new SLRCFA newsletter!  Keep your eyes here for the latest news and updates from around the club!

Route 66 Jet Event

The SLRCFA Route 66 Jet Event on September 5^th – 7^th was a blast!  Thanks to all the Members and Pilots who participated and to our Volunteers (especially Contest Directors Dennis Chivetta and Larry Leuchtmann). 

Raffle Winners:
David Jones -  A10 Thunderbolt
Mike L. -           Holy Smokes Jet Smoke pump 
Jeff Adams -     Prime Membership (donated by Larry Collins)
Mark Stellern -  64mm ducted fan assembly
Larry Leuchtmann - TitanRC airplane stand
Jay Wilson -       Sennheiser headphones (donated by David Jones)
Kolten Spies       - Massager (donated by David Jones)

Welcome New Members 
Phil Best
Billy Seitz
Reid Stellhorn
Ben Baker

Mark Your Calendars:

Toys for Tots Chili Cookoff and Fun Fly

The SLRCFA Toys for Tots Chili Cookoff and Fun Fly is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025.  Bring a pot of your favorite Chili to share, a toy to donate to Toy’s for Tots (in lieu of a Pilot Fee), and Planes to fly!

SLRCFA Christmas Party

The Annual SLRCFA Christmas Party will be held at The Timbers in Eureka on December 11^th. 

Bring a wrapped gift to participate in the White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Membership renewals will also be collected to those members who prefer to pay at the Christmas Party instead of online. 

SLRCFA Christmas Party tickets are $25 will be available on the SLRCFA Website (beginning in October) and at the door.  Dinner is included.  Merry Christmas!

Safety Minute

Please practice Flight Line Etiquette when flying –

-          Announce your Intentions to other Flyers (takeoff, landings, etc.)

-          Follow the Established Pattern

-          Don’t Interrupt or Crowd other Pilots and their Spotters on the Flight Line

-          Never enter the Runway or Grass to retrieve an Airplane without making other Pilots Aware and getting permission!

QuickStart

What do all our members have in common?  All of us were beginners and had to learn to fly RC Airplanes!  Our Club continues to have a robust Quickstart Training Program for new RC Pilots, meeting on Tuesday evenings.  It is how we continue to grow our club and pass on our hobby to the next Generation. 

Thanks to this year’s Instructors and to those members who have shown up Tuesday nights to share their expertise, stories, and patience!

We have had many students go through the program this year, so you may notice some new faces around the club.  If you see a new pilot while you’re out flying, be sure to introduce yourself and be ready to lend a hand, or your favorite flying tip!

We are always looking for volunteers who are willing to help and become Instructors.  If you have questions on how to help, please reach out to Larry Leuchtmann.

Volunteers are Needed!

Here’s a BIG THANK YOU to those Members who volunteered during 2025!  To those members who didn’t have a chance to volunteer this year, please consider volunteering your time and talents to the Club for our remaining 2025 events and in 2026.

Our ability to keep the Airfield looking great and conducting club events like the Camp and Fly, 3D, Warbirds, and Jet Events are only successful and fun if we have Club Members support these events by helping as a Volunteers and as Participants (either as a Pilot, Spectator, or just to come and hang out with other club members!).  These events also generate interest in the Community, which can translate to additional income for the Club (which helps us defer increases to membership dues despite significant increases in expenses).

We are considering what events we can support for the 2026 Flying Season, watch for communications in the coming months and thank you in advance for volunteering and participating!

Board of Director Nominations

The Board of Directors election is coming up soon so if you are interested in giving back to the Club, please consider running for the Board.  Details on how to submit nominations will be communicated to the Club Membership soon via email and the Club Facebook page.  Club Members who are Full or Prime Members are eligible to be nominated and to vote in the election.

Indoor Flying Strarting in October
Our annual indoor flying season starts Friday October 3rd at Eureka’s Central Baptist Church gymnasium.  6 to 9pm.  Join us for some fun and challenging indoor flying fun.  $5 per session.

Field Cameras

Did you know you can now visit the field anytime day or night, virtually, from your favorite device?  Our new field cameras let you peek at a live video feed of what’s up at the field (video only, no audio).  Check out the fun you’re missing or see if anyone’s out flying before you make the trip out to the field!  Details on setting up the camera on your device can be found in the members section of the website under the menu heading Members > Field Camera.

Have Something You’d Like To Add?
Have news you’d like to share with the club, interesting new RC flying information, or maybe a plane for sale…?  Let us know and we can publish it here in our newsletter.  Send an email to SLRCFAWebmaster@gmail.com!