They've chosen to do this through the creation of a new flying Club they affectionately call the CIA - Crow Island Aviators. This group warmly welcomes all pilots regardless of aircraft flown. CIA members actively fly many forms of aircraft ranging from typical GA Piper Cubs to radio controlled models of the same, and everything in between.

It goes without saying that without model builders, our current crop of flying contraptions would have never gotten off the ground… especially when you consider the Wright Flyer started out as a model which grew into a 58 pound tethered glider, then into a 117 pound manned glider and later, through more evolution, into the historically famous 1903 Wright Flyer. It's only fitting that modelers are also welcomed as CIA members.

Today, some CIA members fly under FAR, PART 103, but through the process of evolution, many aircraft have grown beyond the limitations of Part 103 and are now considered by the FAA as real aircraft. As a result, their pilots must now receive proper flight training and the aircraft must now display registered N numbers.

Crow Island is very aviation friendly to all and it is a regular treat to be entertained with a brief air show from a few aerobatic enthusiasts based at Hanscom AFB a few miles to the east. These pilots, some national competitors, will practice their routines overhead and will often drop into the club to say hello afterwards. It's truly an amazing sight to be parked at the hold line and watch as a Christen Eagle slips sideways through a slot in the trees to the field.

Both the CIA and Air America extend a warm invitation to all who wish to come out and share our passion. For a map and more information about the club, please visit the Air America website at www.airbornetrikes.net. The club plans to make an appearance at the Sun-n-Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, Florida, April 08-13, 2008. If you see us, please say hello!

A special note of thanks to Tabor Coats for the use of his aerial photo of Crow Island.

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