Fly Up to 900′ Dawn to Dusk Daily; 2000′ with Notification
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AMA_FRIA

Learn About Our Club!! Check Out Our Introduction Video

FREE Flight Training Program!

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking to the skies, from the safety of the ground, we’ve got you covered!

Our certified Introductory Pilot Instructors will –

  • Introduce you to the basics of RC aircraft
  • Have you flying an RC plane in a safe, stress-free fashion in just minutes, using a “Buddy Box” system that allows the instructor to take control at any time if needed

 

When:  Every Saturday morning, 8:00 – 11:00 AM

Where : CVRC Club airfield, Canal Regional Park, 89452 54th Ave., Thermal CA

 

 

Our club recognizes and complies with the F.A.A. Reauthorization Act of 2018, Section 349.  For more information click here.

Return of Jet Event to CVRC Club!

The Terry Buckley Turbine Rodeo  December 3–5, 2026

The roar of turbine engines will once again fill the skies over the Coachella Valley!

After an absence of two years, the Coachella Valley RC Club is excited to announce the return of an RC turbine jet event to our field, with the Terry Buckley Turbine Rodeo to be held December 3–5, 2026.

This special event honors the memory and legacy of Terry Buckley, a tremendous friend and supporter of our club and of RC turbine jet flying. Terry was there from the very beginning, enthusiastically supporting our club-sponsored jet events and helping them grow into gatherings that attracted pilots and spectators from throughout the region and beyond.

Terry didn’t just talk about supporting the events—he showed up and pitched in. Traveling from his home base in Arizona, he brought a number of his beautiful turbine jets to fly, helping provide the spectacular sight and sound that make these events so special. He also helped spread the word throughout the turbine jet community, encouraging other pilots to make the trip to the Coachella Valley.

And if that wasn’t enough, Terry could often be found at the flight line, helping with Air Boss duties and doing whatever was needed to make the event safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone.

The Terry Buckley Turbine Rodeo is our way of remembering and celebrating a man who loved RC aviation, loved turbine jets, and believed in supporting the clubs and people who make our hobby possible.

Three Days of Turbine Jet Action

From Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 5, come out to the Coachella Valley RC Club airfield to see some of the finest turbine-powered RC aircraft around.

You’ll see beautifully detailed scale jets, hear the unmistakable sound of turbine engines, and have the opportunity to watch some outstanding piloting skills as experienced turbine pilots put their aircraft through their paces.

Whether you’re an avid turbine enthusiast, an RC pilot interested in seeing what turbine flying is all about, or simply someone who enjoys watching amazing aircraft in action, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

And, of course, there will be plenty of time to socialize with fellow RC enthusiasts and enjoy the camaraderie that makes our club special.

Come Hungry, Stay for the Fun!

Lunch will be served each day, so you won’t have to leave the field when the flying gets underway.

Then, on Friday evening, we’ll gather for a hosted dinner—a great opportunity to relax, swap stories, admire the airplanes, and spend some time with the pilots and club members who make events like this possible.

Come Support Your Club!

Events like the Terry Buckley Turbine Rodeo don’t happen without the support of our members, volunteers, pilots, and friends. This is a great opportunity to come out to the field, enjoy some spectacular RC aviation, introduce friends and family to the hobby, and show your support for the Coachella Valley RC Club.

Most of all, it’s a chance to celebrate the return of turbine jet flying to our field and to honor Terry Buckley, whose enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand helped make our earlier jet events so memorable.

Come hear the turbines roar, see some incredible airplanes, watch outstanding pilots, enjoy some good food and great company—and help us make the Terry Buckley Turbine Rodeo a fitting tribute to a great friend of RC aviation.

We hope to see you at the field!

Check out the event Facebook page for updates

Upcoming Events

As the winter flying season approaches, we have several great events coming up to kick off the year.   On Saturday, November 7, we will have our annual Member Appreciation/Badge Day/Toys for Tots event.  We will have free hot dogs and drinks, as well as fun flying events including carrier landings, paintball, and more.  Come out for the fun, and pay your 2026 dues while you’re at it.  Please also bring along a $15 donation or an unwrapped toy for our Toys for Tots drive!

On Thursday, December 3 – Saturday, December 5, turbine jets return with the Terry Buckley Turbine Rodeo, honoring a great friend to the CVRC Club, Terry Buckley, who passed away last year.  We’ll have 3 days of awesome turbine jet flying and lunch each day.  Please see the story above for more details.  For our club members, please step up as a volunteer to help put on this great event.

Saturday January 9, 2027, is the date for our Club Auction.  We have a huge selection of aircraft and accessories ready to go to the highest bidder.  Everything will go, so come on out to score some great bargains!

See you at the field!

Carrier landing event on Badge Day

Turbine jet event

Auction items waiting to be snatched up!

Our airfield has been designated as a FRIA, which allows our pilots to continue to fly at our club field without remote ID capability.  We have a 900’ altitude limit dawn to dusk every day, with a 2,000 ft radius from the center of our flightline.  We can also obtain a 2000’ altitude limit with advanced notice to the FAA and SoCal TRACON.  We routinely notify FAA that we will be operating up to 2,000′ on weekends and for all of our sanctioned events, but if a member wants to request an additional day, you must submit your request to the club secretary at least 48 hours in advance, and must ensure that 1) a spotter will be used at all times; 2) an aircraft radio will be present, turned on, and monitoring 123.00 MHz; and 3) you must know the procedure for contacting the FAA in case of any aircraft “fly aways”.  Additionally, full-size aircraft ALWAYS have right-of-way and must be given wide berth regardless of our altitude limits.

Find Us

89452 54th Ave., Thermal, CA

Directions

Eastbound on I-10

Turn off on 86 S expressway. Turn left at 52nd Ave., turn right on Fillmore St., turn left on 54th Ave., go past Pierce St. to field entrance.

Westbound on I-10

Exit I-10 at Dillon Rd. left. Proceed to 86 S expressway South. Turn left at 52nd Ave., turn right on Fillmore St., turn left on 54th Ave., go past Pierce St. to field entrance.

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