WOODLAND/DAVIS AEROMODELERS, INC.

HISTORY

The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “WDA”) was founded in November of 1970 as the Davis Aeromodelers by Bob and Mavis Henson and several other individuals from the Davis area. The Davis Club secured a lease from the City of Davis for approximately 1.2 acres in the Northwest corner of the old Davis land fill. Over the next several years, with the help of Tom Basinger of the Davis Nursery, Club members built a flying site for Radio Controlled Aircraft. The Club continued to grow with new members from Woodland and the surrounding areas.

In 1983, the Club recognized the possibility of losing the Davis flying site due to expansion of the on site Solar Power Plant. A new site was investigated at the Old Woodland City Landfill, located 2 miles east of Woodland, on Co. Rd. 102. This undeveloped site was designated as the "Woodland Regional Park" with provisions for model aircraft flying. This location was found to be an ideal flying site, including a 20 acre lake for seaplanes and boats. With the assistance of the Woodland City Parks & Recreation Department, the Club secured a lease from the City of Woodland, and provided the City with a long range plan of improvement.

The Club incorporated and changed its name to the Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. A new flying field was prepared in accordance with the long range plan. Community businesses prepared the site by grading and leveling the runways, parking lot, entrance road, and pit area. The remaining work was accomplished by the WDA members.

The new flying field was dedicated as the "Mavis Henson Field" in the spring of 1986, in recognition of the efforts made by the late Mavis Henson and her husband, Bob, who organizing the Club, promoted the hobby, and helped establish the new flying site.

In the fall of 1986, with pledges from several Club members, enough money was raised to pave the main runway, the taxiways, and a vehicle turn around near the pit area. All WDA members were called out for "Concrete Pouring Parties" to make the Pit Area and building foundations. Many local businesses and individuals have helped WDA build a major modeling facility. Mavis Henson Field facilities would not exist without their confidence and help.

In the next few years, buildings were erected by WDA members for a "Snack Shack", restrooms, and site maintenance equipment. A dock and concrete seaplane launching pads were added to the lakefront. Grass was planted for spectators and a grass runway. Electricity and phone lines were placed in 1990. U-Control circles, sprinklers and grading were added during the 1990's. Major refurbishing and improvements in flying facilities were done in 1998-99

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All of site maintenance is overseen by the WDA Field Committee, and accomplished by the effort of WDA members. The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. have had many good friends in the general community who have helped WDA with their efforts.

WDA members strongly feel that efforts should be made to assist young modelers. Since 1970, single goal programs have been organized and offered in the Woodland community and schools by WDA members. In 1997 several no-fee programs” were run to help interested youth. These programs required considerable organizing effort, with attention to the youth resources. The programs included glider building, control line airplane building and flying, and introductory R/C building and flying. Though not required, parental participation was always encouraged.

WDA is a club-organized, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the sport and hobby of Model Aviation, in and around the Woodland-Davis area. All members of WDA are also members of a national modeling organization, the Academy of Model Aeronautics. The annual programs of WDA include.

Area Mall Show

WDA members participate in a mall show each year. Models of all types, videos and demonstrations are shown at this event. 150-300 gliders are built for the youngsters who attend the show. There is no charge for these gliders.

Flight Instruction and Pilot Orientation

The instruction and orientation program is offered as a free service to club members and prospective pilots. This program helps newcomers learn the skills needed to build and safely operate model aircraft. This program also assures that skilled pilots are familiar with the rules at the flying site.

Grade School Glider Building Classes

These classes have been conducted for schools and Parks & Recreation programs since 1976. WDA instructors teach young students how to build and fly high-performance, hand-launched, balsa gliders. Students are also taught basic aerodynamics. Teachers request that this program be continued year after year.

Model Aircraft Contests

WDA hosts several contests each year, which bring some excellent models to the community. Several of the pilots at these events are active in competition at a national level. These pilots often help other non-competitive modelers. All funds from contests and food sales are used to underwrite the costs of the flying site maintenance and improvements.

The Woodland/Davis Aeromodelers, Inc. thank you for your interest. WDA hopes that you will attend one of our events or "just flying days" and have a most pleasurable experience at beautiful Mavis Henson Field.