Who we are, Where we started, Where we are Headed
Click on the links below to follow the history of this great club.
We invite you to be a part of the 2008 history at the new field.
1980 – The Idea is Born
After some ongoing discussions about starting a club for radio controlled model airplanes, Wayne Rhodeback, who at that time worked at the Hobby Land store recognized the interest and decided to put a list on the counter to gather names for the club. Due to his efforts, Wayne is credited with being the founder of the club.
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1981 – The Club Gets A Name
The first of the unofficial gatherings was held at the store. In short order the gathering at the small store was just too big, so the meetings were moved to Don’s Restaurant on Main Street. At that time there were approximately 25 interested people. Meetings took place on the third Tuesday of each month. Dues were twenty-five dollars.
Roland Osborne suggested the name, “TAIL SPINNERS”. It was voted on and agreed to by all the members.
The first President was Jerry Hill, Wayne Rhodeback was Vice President, and Geoff Combs was the Treasurer.
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1983 – A New President
Roland Osborne was elected President and remained in that position until the end of 1988, Wayne Rhodeback continued as Vice President and Jeff Combs continued as Secretary/Treasurer, each for another year.
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1980-1983- The First Field
The club did not have a flying site initially, but eventually a site was found on the east side of Taylor Rd. North of Route 40 (the area is now a housing addition).
The club flew at this location for three flying seasons. Due to a noise issue, the club was asked to vacate the location at the end of that flying season.
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1984 – The Club Moves Forward
The club membership voted to join the AMA in April of 1984.
Tail Spinners remains a sanctioned club (#992) with the AMA.
The Club adopted its first Constitution and Field safety rules.
1984 was the first year for the annual Christmas banquet.
The banquet was held at the Lions Club location each year through 1988
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1985 – The Second Field
Finding a new flying site was the biggest issue in 1985
Burl Jordan talked to a farmer about some land located behind 12718 National Rd. Once the farmer was satisfied, the owner of the land was contacted and the necessary paperwork was completed, with the area to be rented for $200.00 a year.
1985 was by far, the biggest growing year the club had ever seen.
Four trustees were elected to maintain the field
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1985 – New Officers and Meeting Place
In 1985 Tom Long was elected as Vice President, Dennis Rider was elected as Secretary and Jim Buckenberger was elected as Treasurer.
The meetings had moved to Donatos on Brice Rd, because Don’s was closing its doors and the club needed more room.
1985 also marked the beginning of the Wednesday night flight-training program.
This remains one of the clubs main objectives, and many people have gone on to be accomplished pilots.
This club was the first in the area to be on television.
With appearances in multiple print articles and television spots over the next few years, the club was maturing and doing well.
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1989 – The Banquet Moves
The banquet was moved to the Ramada Inn on Brice Rd.
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2003 - The Banquet Moves Again
Since 2003 the banquet is held at the Ole Summit Towne Restaurant in Summit Station.
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2004 – the new field takes shape
In 2004, The club moved into it's third field, and current home, located on land owned by Emswiler Farms. The location, called Emswiler Park, is known by many to be the nicest field the club has had in it's long history.
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2006 - The Barnstormers Arrive
In 2006 The club's largest annual event, known as the "Barnstormers over Central Ohio" was started. The event, largely based on multi-wing aircraft, is growing and becoming one of the area's premier events despite unfavorable weather for it's first two years.
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2007 - Growing Again
in 2007 the club grew by many new members, some new pilots and some returning from many years away from the hobby.
Jimmy Loudenslager remains the club President (5 years!)
Wes Dodge took over early in 2007 as Vice President
Sebastian Lanotte took over early as Treasurer
Joe Lemermeier, Robert Woolley and Jeff Nida all were voted in to join
James Loudenslager as Trustees.
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2008 - ? How Far will we go?
The annual swap meet moved to Late March, and showed well for a late change in date and little advertisement.
With several changes in the Board of Directors and renewed enthusiasm, the 2008 year looks to be a good one.
We hope you will join us and be part of the Tail Spinners legacy.
