Tyler’s Texas Unlimited Fun Flyers Club is hosting a fly-in featuring radio controlled airplanes on Saturday and Sunday, at the North Side RC Park. The event starts at 10 a.m. each day and will benefit Tyler couple, Mark and Denise Humphries, who recently lost their home and its entire contents to a fire.

The fly-in includes a raffle of a 50cc ARF (almost ready to fly aircraft). As part of the event, a $7 barbecue lunch will be available on Saturday. There is a $20 landing fee for model flyers. There is no charge for spectators who are encouraged to bring chairs. Otherwise, there is limited bleacher seating. There is RV space available but no hookups.

“Model pilots, of all ages from northeast and central Texas are expected to participate and show off their flying skills with both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. It will be fun for entire families,” said Don R. Edmonds, a TUFF Club member, in a press release.

Humphries was a founder of the TUFF Club and has been recognized for years throughout East Texas as an expert in the hobby. Edmonds said that Humphries has helped flyers with flights, uncooperative engines and occasional crashes.

“Mark is always there when we need advice. So, now it’s time for us to return the favors,” Edmonds said.

“Anything that flies is welcome,” according to John Skinner, vice-president of the organization.

The TUFF Club is affiliated with the national Academy of Model Aeronautics. Northside Park, a city of Tyler facility, is at the northeast side of the intersection of Highway 69 North and Loop 323. For information, contact Skinner at 903-539-1308, John Alder at 903-852-7119 or Rob Pfaff at 903-253-4092.

TWITTER: @TMTMelissa