Jason McQuiston of Boardman flies his Extreme Flight Laser radio-controlled airplane Saturday at the fun fly in Shaker Woods. His son, Andrew, 14, also is a member of the model aircraft club.

COLUMBIANA — Saturday morning was warm and sunny, a perfect day for flying.

That is just what happened as the Mahoning County Model Aircraft Club hosted a fun fly, exhibition and swap meet for their radio-controlled planes at the Shaker Woods grounds.

Club president Jim Mestichelli of New Middletown said they use this field year-round, as well as another property in Struthers. At Shaker Woods, members have their own storage barn and restroom facilities. They just need to maintain the property.

Mestichelli said he is carrying on a tradition. When he was growing up, his family flew balsa planes. Back then, they were on a control line. Radio-controlled planes became available in the 1960s.

He said a starter kit can cost as little as $300 for planes made from foam board. It is only when purchasing more complex models that the hobby can become expensive. His favorite plane is a P41 Flying Tiger that was “passed down” to him after three other owners.

Carrie Mestichelli sat next to her husband. She said she supports his pastime.

“I enjoy being with him and watching him. Even when he crashes, he puts it all back together. I’m amazed at all the knowledge he has in his head,” she said.

Chris Shoemaker of Poland loves flying RC planes. Besides being an outdoor activity, it takes skill and knowledge of aerodynamics. He also pointed out the variety of aircraft. He displayed his Pterosaur, which is barely over a foot long, and compared it to a Piper J3 Cub that is a half scale of the real thing.

That model belonged to David DeCesare of Mineral Ridge. He said, “My wife bought me a little one, and it went from there.”

Although they all expressed concern about the lack of involvement of younger people, for Boardman resident Jason McQuiston RC is a family activity. While McQuistion flies an Extreme Flight Laser, his 14-year-old son Andrew has a Super Scout XL and said he especially enjoys doing stunts, known as “3D flying.”

Ken Baker of Weathersfield is 85 and still loves to participate. He owned an airplane repair shop at Kent State University and developed two-cycle engines for RC planes. Because there was so much demand, he built 375 of them. His wife and daughter helped.

The Mahoning County Model Aircraft Club meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Shaker Woods site, weather permitting. People who want to learn more about the club can log onto mcmodelclub.org for contact information.

Mesticelli said it doesn’t take much money or knowledge to start this hobby, but “once you get the bug, one airplane isn’t enough.”