Since its inception in 1975, the Arvada Associated Modelers (AAM) has been strongly committed and deeply rooted in the Arvada community. AAM performs and participates in many community events and service projects annually. AAM also endeavors to be good stewards of the Airpark, the land that it resides on, and to minimize its impact on the environment.
Current Community Service Activities
Arvada Harvest Festival
AAM has sponsored a float in the annual Arvada Harvest Festival Parade for over 20 years. Many members of AAM live and work in the Arvada community and actively support the annual Harvest Festival Celebration.
Harvest Festival Air Show
AAM has been putting on an annual RC Air Show in conjunction with the Arvada Harvest Festival for over 10 years. The Air Show is a one of the ways AAM “gives back” to the community in recognition for creating and supporting the AAM Airpark.
The Air Show is typically held on Saturday (after the annual Parade) and includes flight demonstrations, flight simulators, actual “hands-on” flying, free door prizes, full-scale fly-in’s and fly-over’s, and other activities.
New Member Pilot Training
AAM dedicates one night a week to new member training. AAM provides all equipment necessary for prospective new members to try RC aero-modeling before making a substantial investment in the hobby. Please check out AAM’s outstanding Pilot Training program.
AMA’s “Adopt a School Program”
AAM participates in this program which provides demonstrations and lectures on the principles of flight to local schools. AAM also donates subscription of Model Aviation magazine to local schools and libraries.
“Aero-modeling at the Hanger”, hosted by Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
AAM and its members participate in this annual event which is put on to demonstrate and exhibit RC planes and helicopters to the public. Held at the “Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum”, it’s an entire day dedicated to aviation education and fun. Aero-modeling at the Hangar is included with Museum Admission.
Visitors experience radio-controlled (R/C) planes and helicopters, acrobatic and control line demonstrations and, if the weather permits, a jet engine demonstration. They can meet with some of Denver’s top RC and hobby vendors such as Colpar Hobbies, Hobby Town USA, Action Hobbies, Bonnie Brae Hobby Shop, and Steven’s Aeromodels.
Model Rocket Launches and Flying Demonstrations
AAM hosts and sponsors numerous model rocket launches at the Airpark each year. Local Scouting groups (including Boy and Girl Scouts), Civil Air Patrol units, and others are invited to engage in model rocketry at the AAM Airpark. Many of these events are also accompanied by flying demonstrations and “hands-on” flying provided by AAM members.
Junior Civil Air Patrol Events
AAM is actively involved with the Junior CAP. Junior CAP units also provide volunteers to assist with AAM’s annual Harvest Festival RC Air Show.
Past Community Service Activities
Easter Seals “Dreams of Flight” Air Show and Flying Experience
This annual event was hosted for over 15 years and was specifically put on for Easter Seals “Handi-Campers”. For years, this event was hosted annually by AAM at its home field in north Arvada. Handi-Campers, counselors and others were treated to a 2-3 hour air show, free lunch, and then “hand-on” flying with club training aircraft.
The event was eventually moved and replaced by routine weekly/monthly visits to the Easter Seals Handi-Camp (near Empire, CO) where flying demonstrations and “hands-on” flying could reach more campers each year.
Mall Shows/Exhibits
AAM has been putting on RC modeling demonstrations and exhibiting at local area malls for over 30 years.
Local Area Road Maintenance and Cleanup
AAM has, in many previous years, participated in the “Adopt-a-Highway” road clean-up program.
Other Activities and Park Use
The AAM Airpark is open to everyone in the community. Please visit the Visitor and Guest Policies page on our website to learn more about access and visiting the Airpark.