About the Converse Flying Eagles

The Converse Flying Eagles RC Club is a community of aviation enthusiasts dedicated to the hobby and sport of radio-controlled flight. Based at the Converse Airport in Converse, Indiana, we provide a safe and welcoming environment for pilots of all skill levels.

Our History

The Converse Flying Eagles R/C Club was officially established on July 25, 1990, during a meeting held at the Converse Town Hall. Eleven aviation enthusiasts attended that first meeting, laying the foundation for what would become one of central Indiana's longest-standing radio control flying clubs.

During that inaugural meeting, officers were elected, and the second Thursday of each month was selected as the club's official meeting night.

The original officers were:

  • President: Ray Mooneyhan
  • Vice President: Ron Murphy
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Harold Croft

Ray Mooneyhan faithfully served as Club President until his retirement at the end of 2002. Harold Croft, who passed away several years ago, remains fondly remembered for his dedication and many contributions to the club.

Jim Davis arranged for the club to hold meetings at the U.A.W. Hall, helping establish a permanent gathering place for members.

Building the Club

By the August 9, 1990 meeting, attendance had nearly doubled to twenty members.

During that meeting the membership officially voted to:

  • Name the club The Converse Flying Eagles R/C Club
  • Adopt the club colors of Red and White
  • Set annual membership dues at $10.00

The Academy of Model Aeronautics officially recognized the club by issuing AMA Charter Club No. 2951 on August 6, 1990.

At the October 11, 1990 meeting:

  • Jim Davis was appointed Club Photographer.
  • The club officially adopted its logo, designed by Mark Mooneyhan, featuring an eagle piloting a Ryan aircraft—a logo that proudly represents the club to this day.

First-Year Accomplishments

The club experienced remarkable growth during its first year.

Achievements included:

  • Membership increased from 11 founding members to approximately 40 members.
  • Six local sponsors joined the club.
  • Runway lines were painted on the airport flying field.
  • A frequency board was installed for the RC channels in use at the time, later updated as radio technology evolved.
  • A bulletin board was installed near the west hangar.
  • A grass runway was added.
  • A club flag and canopy were constructed.
  • Members purchased jackets, T-shirts, and hats proudly displaying the club logo.

The Club Today

More than three decades later, the Converse Flying Eagles continues to thrive.

Today the club maintains over 60 active members and holds its monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

While the club originally kept members informed through a printed newsletter, communication has evolved with the times. Today members stay connected through:

  • The Converse Flying Eagles Facebook page
  • The club website
  • Online announcements and event postings

These resources provide current information about meetings, flying events, club gatherings, training opportunities, and other activities throughout the year.

Whether you're an experienced RC pilot or someone interested in taking your very first flight, we invite you to visit the field, meet our members, and become part of a club with over 35 years of aviation tradition.

Field Facilities & Amenities

The Converse Flying Eagles RC Club is proud to offer a well-maintained flying site designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for pilots, members, families, and visitors. Our field features a well-maintained grass runway and a spacious grass pit area, providing ample room for a wide variety of radio-controlled aircraft operations.

For convenience and comfort, the club offers covered shelters, setup tables, workbenches, startup stands, electrical power, and battery charging capabilities. Pilots can take advantage of our windsock poles and windsocks, as well as an on-site weather station to help monitor flying conditions throughout the day.

Safety remains a top priority. The field is equipped with safety fencing, fire extinguishers, a first aid kit, and sandbags for responding to battery incidents and potential lithium battery thermal runaway events, helping ensure a safe environment for all participants and spectators. The facility is handicap accessible and includes designated spectator viewing areas where visitors are always welcome to watch the action. Dedicated bleacher seating is available during club events, fly-ins, and contests, providing comfortable viewing areas for members, families, guests, and spectators.

Additional amenities include portable restroom facilities, camping opportunities during special events, and support for night flying activities when conditions permit. During the winter months and periods of inclement weather, members gather in the club hangar for monthly meetings, fellowship, planning sessions, and educational programs.

Whether you're an experienced RC pilot, a newcomer to the hobby, or simply interested in watching model aviation in action, the Converse Flying Eagles RC Club offers one of the most complete and welcoming flying facilities in the region.

Field Features

Field / Pilot Amenities

  • Maintained Grass Runway
  • Large Grass Pit Area
  • Covered Pilot Shelter
  • Electrical Power Available
  • Battery Charging Stations
  • Setup Tables & Workbenches
  • Aircraft Startup Stands
  • Windsock Poles & Windsocks
  • On-Site Weather Station

Safety Equipment

  • Safety Fencing
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Sandbags for Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway Response
  • First Aid Kit
  • Handicap Accessible Facilities

Spectator / Event Amenities

  • Spectator Viewing Area
  • Bleacher Seating for Events & Contests
  • Spectators Always Welcome
  • Camping During Club Events
  • Night Flying Capabilities
  • Portable Restroom Facilities

Club / Meeting Amenities

  • Club Hangar for Meetings & Activities
  • Winter and Bad-Weather Meeting Location
  • Family-Friendly Environment
  • AMA Charter Club Flying Site

Photos of our flying field, facilities, club events, and aircraft can be viewed in the Gallery section of our website.

Our Philosophy

We believe that the best way to build a strong club is through personal connection. Unlike many modern organizations, we prefer to meet prospective members in person at our field or during club meetings before formalizing membership. This ensures a great fit for both the individual and our community.

✈️ Ready to Join the Converse Flying Eagles?

Whether you're an experienced RC pilot or just discovering the hobby, we'd love to welcome you to our club. The Converse Flying Eagles offer a friendly environment where members can fly, learn, share experiences, and enjoy the excitement of radio-controlled aviation.

Getting Started Is Easy

  • Visit Our Flying Field
    Check our Events Calendar and stop by during a scheduled event to experience RC flying firsthand.
  • Attend a Club Meeting
    Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM to meet members, learn about the club, and ask questions.
  • Meet Our Members
    Our members are always happy to talk about aircraft, flying techniques, and getting started in the hobby.
  • Complete Your Membership Application
    Submit our Contact Form and attend a club meeting to complete your membership paperwork.
  • Become an AMA Member
    Membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is required for club membership. We'll be glad to help guide you through the process.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing the fun of RC aviation!

Contact Us About Membership

FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)

Our flying field is an FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). This means our members can fly their RC aircraft in compliance with federal regulations, ensuring a safe and legal environment for everyone involved.