History
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The History of the W.A.S.P.S.

   In the spring of 1986, Stan Swan, a local aviation enthusiast, contacted a few fellow modelers about forming a model airplane club.  The word was spread by them to as many prospective members as possible.  In June, a preliminary meeting was held to determine the actual interest level.

    About twenty men came to that informal meeting held at the David A. Howe Library in downtown Wellsville, NY.   Practically everyone present was very enthusiastic over the possibility of a club for the area, and those present decided to have an organizational meeting.  The club was officially formed at a subsequent meeting held at the library in July of that same year.

The first officers, elected to serve 2 years were...

    Twenty-two people joined the club at this time, becoming charter members.  Before the end of the year, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the national governing organization of model aeronautics, had issued Charter number 2338 to the new club.  A constitution and accompanying by-laws were adopted, and a flying site was soon located and put to use.

    Several sites for a flying field were considered.   The one which presented the most advantages, and was eventually chosen, was a twenty-six acre site above the Wellsville Landfill, off of Snyder Road.  (See the map and directions from the "our nest" button)  The landfill was, and to this date still owned by the Village of Wellsville.  The Village was pleased, as the land had been acquired for future landfill, but that never occurred.  The land was therefore, not put into use until the W.A.S.P.S. arrived.  Our model airplane club has made a fine, constructive use of this property; one conductive to model airplane flying for all residents.

    The hilltop site was flat, but needed many large bushes and stones removed.  This, as well as rolling of the hilltop was done, and a fine runway approximately 100' X 400' has resulted.  Flying commenced at the site in August of 1986.

    The flight operations shack (FOS) was built in 1987 to provide shelter as well as a place for transmitter impound and a frequency control board.  Summer meetings were held at the flight shack, decorated with remnants of many less fortunate airplanes, posters of local model airplane events, and a memorial plaque listing deceased members, their periods of membership, and service to the club.

    During the summer of 1989, a picnic shelter was built onto the east end of the FOS.  This is a pleasant covered area frequently used by members and their families.  It also becomes our "food shelter" during our fun fly's. 

    To meet a very urgent need, the club purchased an outdoor toilet in 1992.  This has proven to be one of the more "popular" improvements to our field according to many.... :-)

    Over the years, various projects have been completed, making the "W.A.S.P.S. Nest", we feel, one of the finest model facilities this side of New York.  Complete with a control line circle for all you "Ukie's" out there, and a cross-wind runway, our field is constantly being considered for further enhancement.

    The W.A.S.P.S. are justly proud of what we've thus far accomplished, and look forward to many years of further progress and growth.