L to R..Henry Hajdik and Frank Boden

L to R Henry Hajdik and Harod Yould

       The mid l950's through to the early 1960's was an extremely good growth period for controline modelling. There were some five lower mainland controline clubs, which included: 

1. Royal City Aero Club which later inspired the establishment of the Pacific Aeromodellers Club]  in 1990. The R.C.A.C. flew at Queens Park & Blue Mountain Park in Coquitlam.    

2. The Vancouver Gas Model Club, which flew contests in Stanley Park Oval.

3, Collingwood Gas Model Club

4. Sea Island Model Aircraft Club.

5.  Norburn Sky Kings

       With the development of radio control modelling in the 1970's - controline interest fell off appreciably. Many of the local clubs closed their operation.  However, in 1984 Chris Sackett  convinced me to join the VGMC which he was trying to re-establish controline activities and opportunity to assume use of the Rice Mill Controline Flying Site was a huge advantage. Membership grew well through the mid eighties with a lot of contests being flown including Racing, Speed, Stunt, & Sport Events. Activities included a number of community flying displays with participation in Mall & Hobby shows in the Vancouver area. Frank Boden was a major promoter!

      In 1989 members considered that it was time to expand to form a new club at the recommendation of Howie Cowan, the B.C. Zone Director for the Model Aeronautics Ass'n. Of Canada to meet the changing model interests of the membership.  And so it was that in 1990 the Pacific Aeromodellers Club was born -comprised of 22 former members of the V.G.M.C. combined with some original members of the Royal City Aero Club of  New Westminster. 

      P.A.C. & the V.G.M.C. continue to work together in maintaining our joint flying site at Rice Mill Rd., in Richmond, which features 2, paved circles and a grass combat flying site plus parking area.  Additionally, PAC enjoys the benefit of a new Controline Site at Clayburn Park in Abbotsford. In association with the Mission Wings R/C Club and the B.C. Aces. Flying interests are varied range from R/C, free flight plus controline Racing, Scale, Navy Carrier to Sport events combined with flying displays & summer barbecues.  

      Members continue to compete at various contests including the Northwest Regionals, which is scheduled to return to Eugene Airport for 2006. P.A.C. members constructed a brand new Naval Carrier Deck several years ago and we expect to promote the Carrier & Scale events in the future, and Mel Lyne’ Diesel 15 combat events continue to draw a crowd.   With any luck we'll still all be flying 25 yrs. from now. I'll be 92 - how about you? Mobile wheel chairs in the racing circle everybody!  Or perhaps by then we will convert to flying Scale, Navy Carrier and like Frank Boden - continue to encourage young modellers to Fly Controline! May God Bless & keep you ---In the Circle!