The Tri-City Radio Control Modelers (TCRCM) is an organization for individuals interested in radio controlled model aviation. The club is located in the Tri-City area of southeastern Washington State. The TCRCM operates a premier r/c model aviation flying site at the Richland, WA off-road-vehicle site for its members, new student pilots, and invited guests. The number of paid-up members varies between 60 and 75 per year.

TCRCM, a not-for-profit Washington state corporation, was originally incorporated in 1961. Over the years,
they have flown from a variety of sites, including a closed runway at the Kennewick/Vista airport, abandoned roads at the Richland Columbia Point area and other places.  Their first "permanent" site was in Southeast Finley area on property leased from the Kennewick Irrigation District in 1983.  This site was decommissioned in 1999 primarily due to encroachment.

In 1994, the TCRCM entered into a lease agreement with the City of Richland for an 8 acre site located at the
city's Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) park. This site is 6.1 miles west of city center on state highway 240. Click here for maps to field. The site sports a 75 foot wide, 500 foot long closely-cropped grass runway, surrounded by a large, well-maintained, park-like grass pilot area, pit, guest observation, picnic and overrun areas. The ORV site, like the Finley site, was developed from un-cleared, unimproved land with thousands of hours of member "sweat equity" and many member donations of equipment, material and cash. The organization has no monetary debt.

TCRCM holds AMA-sponsored and informal events, including Fun-Fly contests, Helicopter, Bi-Plane, Float-Plane, Big Bird Fly-Ins, a Precision Aerobatic (Pattern) Contest, and others. Click here to see this year's event schedule.

Anyone with an interest in r/c model aviation may join the TCRCM. Click here for membership application form. Membership is price is currently $75.00 per year for individuals, $85.00 for family and $25.00 for Juniors. Other member classes include Senior and Emeritus. Click here for the by-laws which describe in detail the member classes. All members except non-flying Emeritus must also be a current member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).

Club business is conducted in monthly meetings open to all members and guests. Meetings are normally held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM, except December and January. Meetings are currently held at Rosy's Diner, 404 Bradley Blvd, Richland, WA. Business issues between meetings are handled by an Executive committee.

Piloting a powered, radio controlled aircraft is much more difficult than most people realize. The TCRCM
provides free introduction flights for anyone interested aged 12 and over. In addition, they provide free instruction through solo flight for any member, using your aircraft and radio equipment. Members are also more than willing to provide advice and assistance in selecting a training aircraft, construction and setup. Click here for more information on arranging flight instruction.

For more information, please feel free to contact the club President, Bill Bowen using the Contact Us menu item.