TURNERS FALLS — As model aircraft once again take to the sky on Sunday, the Franklin County Radio Control Club also anticipates turnout will have an upward trajectory for this year’s Father’s Day Fun Fly.

The annual remote control aircraft exhibition, which was first held in 2011 and was put on hiatus during the pandemic, will be held for its second consecutive year after experiencing a quiet relaunch in 2022. The 2023 show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Gate 4 of the Turners Falls Municipal Airport, 80-82 Industrial Boulevard.

Former Club President David Korpiewski projected that the event, which has historically amassed crowds of up to 1,200 people, will likely have 30 to 40 pilots this year, potentially doubling last year’s turnout.

“I always like to tell people that these planes do things that would kill a real pilot,” Korpiewski said, calling the exhibition “fun for the whole family.” The goal, he added, is to get more people interested in the hobby.

Specifically, the Father’s Day Fun Fly invites fans to watch club members flaunt their aircraft and engage in “combat” with others, flying top-of-the-line remote control planes and helicopters with the intent of cutting streamers attached to opposing aircraft. Korpiewski noted that sometimes, “accidents happen,” adding to the excitement.

A highlight of this year’s event is the return of last year’s featured presenter, Hatfield-based model aircraft enthusiast Dean Lampron, who is the Academy of Model Aeronautics National Championships’ former freestyle champion. He dazzled the Fun Fly crowd last year with a demonstration of his Pitts Model 12 “Mamba” biplane.

“We’re graced again to have our national champion Dean Lampron,” Korpiewski said. “He always puts on an amazing show for the people watching.”

He added that there will be flight simulators to enjoy.

Aside from just being a fun occasion, the Fun Fly serves as a fundraising opportunity. While the exhibition is free to watch, the Franklin County Radio Control Club will accept donations and conduct a raffle, with proceeds supporting a Ukraine benefit charity started by Korpiewski. Korpiewski, who helped his Ukrainian daughter escape from the war-torn country last year, has been shipping supplies overseas to support refugees since. Last year’s Fun Fly raised about $600, and he hopes this year’s event will raise twice as much.

“We’ve got good connections to make sure it gets where it needs to be,” Korpiewski said of the money, noting that he has a friend who helps transport supplies such as tourniquets, trauma kits and blood clotting agents.

Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-930-4231 or jmendoza@recorder.com.

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