Model Airplane Park

For many New Yorkers, the pursuit of hobbies that offer both precision and an escape to the outdoors is a cherished pastime. If your passion lies in the intricate world of remote control aircraft, then you're in luck. Tucked away in Bellport, Long Island, is a truly specialized destination: the Model Airplane Park. This isn't your average neighborhood green space; it's a dedicated flying field designed specifically for model aviation enthusiasts, offering a unique venue to launch, navigate, and enjoy the thrill of RC planes and helicopters. It's a place where hobbyists gather, share expertise, and put their meticulously built aircraft to the test against the backdrop of the Long Island sky.

The Model Airplane Park in Bellport is more formally known as the Brookhaven Model Aviation Facility (BMAF), and it's primarily utilized and maintained by the Long Island Aero Radio Society (L.I.A.R.S.). This partnership with the Town of Brookhaven Department of Parks, Recreation, and Human Resources Commission ensures that the facility is well-kept and provides a safe and engaging environment for the model aviation community. For New Yorkers keen on this niche hobby, or even those curious to witness the spectacle of remote-controlled flight, the Model Airplane Park offers a fascinating and rewarding experience. This article will guide you through its location, accessibility, the services and features you can expect, and why it stands out as an excellent local resource for model airplane enthusiasts.

The Model Airplane Park is situated on Martha Ave, Bellport, NY 11713, USA. This location in Suffolk County, Long Island, makes it a readily accessible destination for many New Yorkers, particularly those residing in the suburban areas of Long Island. To reach the park, you'll turn onto Martha Avenue off of Bellport Avenue. As you continue down Martha Avenue, the gate to the flying field will be visible on your right. It's important to note that access to the field is generally managed by the host club, L.I.A.R.S., and the gate is typically locked unless members are present. Therefore, prospective visitors or new members are encouraged to consult the club's contact information or website for details on visiting hours or member presence.

While the park is primarily designed for vehicular access, its location in Bellport means it's generally within a reasonable driving distance from various parts of Long Island. For those traveling from New York City, it would typically involve a drive out on the Long Island Expressway (I-495) or Sunrise Highway (NY-27) to reach the Bellport area. The dedicated nature of the park means that parking is usually available on-site for members and authorized guests. Its relative seclusion also contributes to a safer flying environment, minimizing interference from general public park users and ensuring the focus remains on model aviation activities.

As a dedicated flying field for model aircraft, the Model Airplane Park (Brookhaven Model Aviation Facility) offers a range of services primarily geared towards supporting the activities of remote control aviation enthusiasts. These services are largely managed and maintained by the Long Island Aero Radio Society (L.I.A.R.S.), the host club for the facility:

• Dedicated Flying Field: The core service is providing a specialized and well-maintained area for flying remote-controlled airplanes, helicopters, and drones. This includes designated flight lines and clear airspace, crucial for safe and enjoyable operations.
• Paved L-Shaped Runway: A significant feature is the large paved L-shaped runway, designed to accommodate various types of RC aircraft. The club strategically utilizes different sections of the runway based on the time of day and wind direction, optimizing flying conditions.
• Mowed Grass Field: In addition to the paved runway, a regularly mowed grass field is available, providing alternative landing and takeoff surfaces, particularly for planes that may benefit from grass operations or for specific maneuvers.
• Hovering and 3D Maneuver Area: A smaller, dedicated area is set aside for pilots who wish to practice more advanced maneuvers, such as hovering and 3D acrobatics, with their aircraft.
• Pits and Workstations: The park provides designated pit areas, complete with starting benches and workstations. These are essential for pilots to set up, maintain, and prepare their models for flight, fostering a collaborative and organized environment.
• Pavilion and Picnic Tables: A pavilion and picnic tables are available, offering shaded areas for pilots and visitors to relax, observe flights, and socialize. This creates a comfortable atmosphere for longer visits to the field.
• Portable Toilet: During the warmer months, a portable toilet is provided on-site, offering a basic but essential amenity for visitors.
• Club Membership and Guidance: As the host club, L.I.A.R.S. offers membership, which provides access to the field and its amenities. New members often receive guidance from experienced pilots, helping them to navigate the hobby and ensure safe flying practices. Membership typically requires adherence to field rules and often includes membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) for insurance and safety standards.
• Field Maintenance and Clean-up Days: The club regularly schedules field clean-up days, ensuring the facility and runways are kept in excellent condition, demonstrating a collective commitment to maintaining the park for all users.

The Model Airplane Park in Bellport stands out as a unique recreational facility with several key features and highlights:

• Dedicated RC Flying Environment: Unlike multi-purpose parks, this location is purpose-built and maintained specifically for remote control aircraft. This ensures optimal flying conditions, reduces conflicts with other park users, and fosters a community of shared interest.
• Well-Maintained Flying Surfaces: The presence of both a large paved L-shaped runway and a regularly mowed grass field provides versatility for different types of aircraft and flying preferences. This dual offering caters to various model sizes and piloting skills.
• Community and Fellowship: Being primarily used by the Long Island Aero Radio Society (L.I.A.R.S.), the park serves as a hub for a passionate community of model aviators. This fosters camaraderie, mentorship, and opportunities to learn from experienced pilots, which is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists.
• Safety Protocols: As a field operated by an AMA-chartered club, the park adheres to safety rules and guidelines. This includes designated flight stations, sound testing for louder aircraft, and sometimes even pilot proficiency tests for solo flying, ensuring a secure environment for all.
• Supporting Amenities: The presence of pit areas, workstations, starting benches, a pavilion, and picnic tables enhances the user experience, making it comfortable and convenient for extended periods of flying and socializing.
• Access to Expertise: For those new to the hobby, the club environment offers unparalleled access to experienced modelers who can provide guidance on everything from aircraft selection and building to flying techniques and troubleshooting.
• Opportunity for Observation: Even for non-pilots, the park can be a fascinating place to visit (with appropriate caution and adherence to any visitor guidelines). Watching the diverse range of remote-controlled aircraft take flight and perform maneuvers can be an engaging spectacle.

As a specialized park primarily managed by a hobby club (L.I.A.R.S.), the Model Airplane Park in Bellport does not typically offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business or public amusement park might. Its value comes from access to a dedicated facility and a community of enthusiasts.

• Club Membership Benefits: The primary "offer" is the opportunity to join the Long Island Aero Radio Society. Membership provides consistent access to the flying field, participation in club events, access to mentorship from experienced pilots, and often includes insurance coverage through the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). While there's a membership fee, the benefits for dedicated hobbyists far outweigh the cost in terms of access, safety, and community.
• Trial Visits: Some clubs may allow prospective members or interested individuals to visit the field as a guest for a limited number of times to observe or even get a supervised introductory flight with a "buddy box" system, allowing them to experience the hobby before committing to a membership. It's advisable to contact L.I.A.R.S. directly to inquire about such possibilities.
• Public Event Days: Occasionally, the club might host open house events or flying demonstrations for the public. These events, while not "promotions" in the commercial sense, serve as excellent opportunities for the community to learn more about the hobby and the facility without any obligation.

To learn about current membership procedures, any trial visit options, or potential public events, the best course of action is to directly contact the Long Island Aero Radio Society through their official channels.

• Address: Martha Ave, Bellport, NY 11713, USA
• Contact for L.I.A.R.S. (Long Island Aero Radio Society), the host club: While a direct phone number for the park itself isn't commonly listed, the primary way to engage with the Model Airplane Park is through its host club. Their website often provides contact information, such as an email address (e.g., liarsrcinfo@gmail.com) for inquiries. For the most up-to-date contact details, please refer to the official L.I.A.R.S. website.

For New Yorkers with a passion for aviation, engineering, or simply a unique outdoor hobby, the Model Airplane Park in Bellport offers an unparalleled local resource. Its primary suitability for locals stems from its dedicated purpose: it's not a general park where model aircraft might be a nuisance or even unsafe, but rather a community space designed specifically for this activity. This means a safer, more organized, and more enjoyable experience for pilots of all skill levels.

The presence and active management by the Long Island Aero Radio Society (L.I.A.R.S.) are key benefits for local enthusiasts. It provides a structured environment for learning, practice, and camaraderie. Beginners can find mentorship from experienced pilots, helping them to navigate the complexities of RC flying and avoid common pitfalls. For seasoned hobbyists, it's a place to share knowledge, fly with like-minded individuals, and participate in organized events. The well-maintained runways, dedicated pit areas, and amenities like a pavilion make it a comfortable and convenient place to spend hours honing skills or simply enjoying the sight of planes soaring through the sky.

Beyond the direct flying experience, the Model Airplane Park fosters a sense of community and a shared passion that enriches the local hobby scene. It’s a testament to Long Island’s diverse recreational offerings, providing a specialized outlet for a fascinating and technically engaging pastime right in your backyard. For any New Yorker interested in getting into or advancing their remote control aviation hobby, this park is not just a place to fly, but a supportive and well-equipped home base.

Model Airplane Park

Martha Ave, Bellport, NY 11713, USA