Radio Control Society Began Flights in 1969

The Marine Park club has maintained a sanctioned model airfield in Brooklyn for over five decades.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Bird Watching

Radio Control Society Began Flights in 1969

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Operating since 1969, the Radio Control Society of Marine Park provides one of the few legal sites for flying radio-controlled aircraft in New York City. The Brooklyn-based airfield features a runway modeled after infrastructure at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Why it matters

This hobby functions as a unique intersection for enthusiasts interested in aviation, electronics, and precision model building. The facility serves a diverse range of operators, from high school STEM students to professional drone pilots training for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The club's most powerful jet measures nearly 7 feet long and can reach speeds of nearly 200 mph. Members often invest significantly in their equipment, with individual model jets costing upwards of $10,000.

The players

Radio Control Society of Marine Park

This organization maintains a specialized model airfield in Brooklyn that serves as one of the few legal sites for flying radio-controlled aircraft in New York City.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

This public benefit corporation responsible for public transportation in New York has utilized the Marine Park site for drone flight practice.

The details

Pilots operate their aircraft using handheld controllers while remaining on the ground, with high-performance jet flights requiring a dedicated spotter for safety. To maintain operations, members must hold valid safety licenses and certifications while maintaining required insurance policies.

The Radio Control Society of Marine Park began its operations in 1969.

Culture Shift

The club operates within the increasingly regulated landscape of hobbyist drone and model aircraft use in densely populated urban environments. Its survival reflects a transition from unregulated play to a formalized hobbyist sector requiring rigorous safety certifications and standardized operating sites.

For local enthusiasts, the site offers a rare, legally sanctioned space to fly high-performance models within city limits. Prospective members must be prepared to secure proper insurance and safety certifications to participate in the club's training and flight activities.

The takeaway

Maintaining a specialized hobbyist site for 45 years or more requires a strong commitment to safety standards and community engagement. Interested pilots should focus on obtaining necessary certifications before attempting to fly high-speed models in public recreational areas.