Rainy weather didn't prevent spectators from watching as over a dozen remote controlled planes took to the skies during the Tuscarora R/C Flying Club's annual Aerorama held recently at their flying field located at the Tuscarora State Park in Barnesville.

"The event combines both fun and group comradery," said club member John Kennedy Sr. of Summit Hill. "It serves as a fun event for both visitors and members.""The more time on the sticks (remote control), the faster you will learn," said club President Jim Dunn of Lansford, referring to the dedication and skill of its members to the hobby. "I wish I could say we never crash, but these things happen on occasion.""R/C flying could take a while for some people to learn," said 40-year member Jimmy Grave, who added that this hobby gave him a better understanding regarding the science and principals of flight. "This helped me get my pilots license 13-years ago. There are many similarities."Many club members love the hobby so much that they own numerous types and styles of aircraft. Some members owning 20 or more planes are 30-year member and club Vice President Bob Greenall of Clamtown, and couple Walt and Kathy Basiago of Barnesville, George Moyer, 80, of Ashland. Five-year member Cullen Dixon, 16, of Frackville, already owns five planes."It's a good thing to get people out of the house and leave their computers behind," said Basiago. "You can act as a commander in the sky and gain a sense of achievement." Showing his love of the club, Walt spends hours every week cutting grass on the clubs 300 by 500 foot flying field.Jerry Buehler, 83, who has constructed over 90 planes in his lifetime, said he prefers to make the planes than fly them. "I started making these aircraft during the start of World War II," said Buehler. "Simple flying kits back then only cost me ten cents.""I love to fly," said member David Kessler of Tamaqua.The club, chartered about 40-years ago, meets the first Monday of each month at the flying field or Tuscarora State Park Field office. For more information, call Dunn at (570) 233-1312 or visit their website TuscaroraFlyingClub.com."Everyone comes out to have a great time," said Kennedy Sr. "You simply can't find a nicer group of people."