BASS (AMA club #493) was formed in May of 1980, by a group of modelers with a common interest in radio controlled silent flight, including sailplanes and electric powered aircraft. Fuel powered aircraft of any sort are prohibited.
Our main purpose is to promote friendship among modelers and a better understanding of the construction and successful operation of radio controlled sailplanes.
BASS holds fun flying sessions and club contests throughout the year at its home field at Villa Maria. Excursions to other local areas for alternate soaring are also organized. In addition BASS sponsors annual two day Hand Launch contests which attract fliers from all over the Mid-Atlantic area.
BASS owns and maintains equipment for launching and flying. We have contest and sport winches, retrievers, winch batteries, battery chargers, retriever pole and related supplies. BASS even provides a “Club Trainer” to allow newcomers to experience the thrill of soaring. Once you become an active club member, you are required to provide your own aircraft and radio.
Member’s equipment is subject to safety review by the Field Marshall.
We fly year-round. Club contests are held from March – October on weekends. The specific contest dates are shown in the calendar, Facebook and through email. Contests are open for winch, high start and electric launched sailplanes. We also have F5J, ALES (Altitude Limited Electric Soaring) and F3L (F3RES) contests. Participation is open to all ages and skill levels.
FAQ
How can I launch and fly without a motor?
There are three methods. First, is a simple 100 foot piece of surgical tubing attached to 300 to 400 feet of line. Known as a “High Start,” this is stretched approximately 200 feet and acts as a gentle sling shot, pulling the sailplane into the air. Second is an electric “Winch” which is controlled by the pilot. This uses an automobile starter motor attached to a large drum of line like an oversized fishing reel. The winch is located at the launching site with its line strung to a pulley 300 yards upwind and returning back to the sailplane. The pilot operates the winch by means of a foot switch, winding in the line causing the aircraft to quickly climb to altitudes of 300 to 500 feet. The third method is hand launching.
How much will this cost me?
Equipping yourself for radio-controlled soaring can be done for as little as $200. As with any hobby or sport there is no limit on how much you can spend but “normal” kits range from $50 to $400. Complete radio systems range from $120 to $500. Sailplanes are the least expensive form of radio controlled flying. Electric powered flight costs slightly more.
Is it difficult to learn how to fly?
No! BASS has trainer aircraft and members that can help you learn to launch, fly and land safety. There are also members who can advise you in the construction of your own aircraft.
How high can you fly?
Thermal flights often reach heights of 2000+ feet. The world record for radio controlled sailplanes is slightly over 6000 feet! The sky’s the limit! Actually, it is not uncommon to experience difficulty seeing your sailplane before it reaches a maximum altitude. Certain FAA regulations limit altitude depending on location.
How long is a typical flight?
Flight time is a function of piloting skill and thermal conditions. Many BASS members have had flights of over an hour. The longest continuous flight by a BASS member is eight hours. Beginners typically are able to get flights of three to five minutes.
What is “thermal’ flight?
A thermal is a column or bubble of warm rising air created from the sun’s rays heating the ground, parking lot or roof to a temperature higher than other surrounding areas. Sailplane pilots search for thermal lift and use the rising air to gain altitude. It is possible to fly from thermal to thermal for continuous flights of many hours.
What is “slope” soaring?
Wind striking the face of a hill or ridge is forced up over the obstacle. A pilot standing on such a hill, hand launches his plane into this rising air and fly along the face of the hill. Slope ships are usually smaller, faster and more maneuverable than thermal aircraft.
What type of aircraft do BASS members fly?
We fly all types of aircraft: traditional wood construction sailplanes, composite open class sailplanes, electric powered sailplanes, hand launch gliders, foamy trainers and 3D aerobatic planes. Fuel powered aircraft of any type is prohibited.
Additional Soaring Links:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Eastern Soaring League