The Club...
Formed in 1982, we are The Capital Area Soaring Association, also known as "CASA”. Club membership is open to anyone interested in model sailplane and electric flying. Most members live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, but some members live as far away as Norfolk, VA and some in Pennsylvania. The purpose of the organization is to enhance the enjoyment, development, and growth of model soaring, and more recently electric flight. CASA meets these goals by providing places to fly, launching equipment, individual assistance, organized events, meetings, a newsletter, and a web presence.
Under Charter Number 1860, CASA is a member club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, (AMA). With over 170,000 members, the AMA is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. CASA adheres to the AMA National Safety Code, which has been developed in conformance with requirements of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The flying of model gliders is an extremely safe activity. CASA flyers have logged thousands of flights without a single injury or incident involving property damage. This outstanding record illustrates CASA's commitment to safe flying and the good judgment and skill of its members. In the unlikely event of a mishap, CASA's AMA affiliation provides $2.5 million in Comprehensive General Liability Protection for CASA Members, clubs, site owners and sponsors, and up to $5.0 million in Fire, Theft and Vandalism for Members Primary Site Owner Insurance per location.
Our flying takes several forms. Groups take part in informal flying at all of our flying sites year round whenever weather permits. Individuals sometimes fly alone to enjoy some solitude, to fine-tune an airplane, or to improve flying skills. At other times, members and newcomers meet to checkout a new plane or to assist in teaching some basic flying skills. Family members come along to fly, to help in administering events, or to just enjoy the pastoral surroundings. Young people, under their parents' guidance, take their beginning steps in the hobby of model aviation.
Monthly Thermal Duration and Electric sailplane events provide a relaxed form of competition leading to annual awards for achievements in three classes: Novice, Sportsman, and Expert. The classes, determined by relative flying skills, provide an opportunity for pilots to compete against others of similar ability.
Our sport pilots fly only electric powered models at the Gude Drive site, and have assembled a wealth of knowledge regarding this fast-growing segment of RC flying. If you are considering electric power as an entry into RC flying, there is no greater fund of expertise in the DC area than among our current members.
CASA hosts special events at which flyers from other clubs throughout the east coast participate. Events range from an electric fly-in: the “SPRING SIZZLE” to the premier sailplane contest: the “CASA OPEN”. Moreover, from hand launch contest: the “CASA HLG” to the tug launched: the “FALL AERO-TOW”.
In addition to CASA's scheduled events, CASA supports The League of Silent Flight’s program of individually paced flying accomplishments. Program aspirants progress through five levels of increasingly more demanding demonstrations of flying proficiency and measure his/her skills against established international standards. Only a few have completed all the flying tasks to achieve Level V, the highest LSF category. CASA is proud of its eight members in that handful.
CASA boasts members who have earned other distinguished honors. These include: AMA Hall of Fame inductees, AMA National champions, and world records holders for radio controlled model airplane flight distance and altitude.
The most important ingredient in our association, however, is the caliber and commitment of our individual members. Our members represent all levels of flying skill and are dedicated to safe and enjoyable model soaring and electric flight. A spirit of mutual assistance, good fellowship, and teamwork prevails at all of CASA's gatherings and activities.
Join us at any of our flying fields and events and get to know us.
Good Lift!
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