Soaring Over Encino: The San Fernando Valley Flyers Club

Tucked away smack dab in the middle of 2,000 acres of land that comprises the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is one of the coolest public spaces that you probably didn’t know exists: The Apollo XI Airfield, which is used by The San Fernando Valley Flyers Club for flying radio-controlled model aircraft.

I’ve ridden my bike past the this field many times and saw planes buzzing through the sky and became intrigued enough to investigate and find out a little more. Upon visiting the airfield I had the good fortune of meeting Tena Homme Aguila, the Valley Flyers’ President. Tena (who is the first female President in the club’s history!) gave me a tour and a brief history lesson on the club and airfield.

Established in 1964, the San Fernando Valley Flyers has a rich history that stretches back to a time when the land it now occupies was nothing more than a cornfield. Today, it stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of its members, offering a vibrant community for aviation enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.

Currently, the club has about 120 members and, as you might imagine, you will encounter an impressive fleet of aircraft ranging from classic bi-planes to cutting-edge turbine jets. Whether powered by battery, gas, or jet fuel, these planes offer members a diverse array of flying experiences, from leisurely flights to adrenaline-pumping aerobatics.

The club, which is a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), has four different flight areas, each designated for a different type of aircraft.  The main runway, seen here with a jet soaring above it, was created in 1973 and measures 82 feed wide by 608 feet long and is used by fixed-wing aircraft that weigh over 1 pound.  There is also a park flyer runway, which caters to smaller aircraft weighing one pound or less, a helicopter pad and drone area, and a control line flight area. So regardless of the type of aircraft that you enjoy, they have an area for you.

There are over 20 stations like the one pictured here, which are used by the members for spreading out their gear.  Having these tables makes it convenient when it comes to assembling, disassembling, preparing, and repairing one’s aircraft. Or just for displaying the aircraft in a cool way, like this one.

At the heart of the club’s activities are these three shipping containers on site, which house a workshop and supplies, as well as a training facility where aspiring pilots learn to fly using flight simulation software. These systems offer a realistic flying experience that is actually modeled on the Apollo XI airfield. This way when a student makes the jump from the classroom to the airfield everything is already familiar to them. At left, you can see a table of coffee and other refreshments – just another little touch that lends to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the club.

For those interested in taking up this addictive hobby, the club offers all the equipment needed for flight training, including aircraft, radios, fuel and batteries. That way students don’t have to invest in a plane and the associated equipment before they know whether it’s the right hobby for them. Once an aspiring pilot has gone through the training, they’ll have all the skills they need to hit the ground running and soar to new heights.

The passion of the Valley Flyers was on full display this weekend when the airfield got flooded badly by the recent heavy rains. Teams of people volunteered their time in cleaning up the field. Bravo to all of those that showed up! (All of the photos in this post were taken the weekend before the rains came.)

After a day of flying, Valley Flyers member Francisco Guevara carries the fuselage of his Navy Jet to his vehicle.

If you’re interested in checking it out, the club gathers at the field on the weekends. It’s a great place to hang out, socialize, swap stories, and, of course, take to the skies. And for those interested in learning more about the club, be sure to visit the Valley Flyers website for information on membership, upcoming events, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a complete novice, there’s never been a better time to join the club and experience the thrill of flight for yourself.

IMPORTANT UPDATE – Because of the heavy damage that was suffered by the airfield during the recent storms, donations are being raised to help with the clean-up and repairs. If you’d like to contribute, here is a link to the GoFundMe page.