About Us

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Any AMA member may fly. Check in with any pilot at the field, identify yourself and show them your AMA card and you're welcome to fly.

If you're not a Broken Prop R-C Club member please be respectful to our club and wait for one of members before you fly. Thanks.

President: Ron Corrette
Vice President: Scott Holson
Treasurer: Harley Mackro
​Secretary: Gary Parent

ADDRESS

US Route 4
Canaan, NH 03741

Club History

​The Origins and Early Years of the Broken Prop R-C Club
The Broken Prop R-C Club, a community of radio control (R/C) aviation enthusiasts, had its origins in the late 1980s, with its first meeting held in 1988 or 1989. This inaugural gathering took place in the basement of Ted Kilton's home on Kilton Road in West Canaan. The meeting saw the attendance of around seven dedicated hobbyists, including Ted Kilton, Bob McDonald, Doc Moore, Peter Arnold, Avery Smith, Bill Malone, and possibly Bill Buck and Wim Hart. This modest assembly laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and enduring club.
Ted Kilton, who had a humorous yet persistent issue of breaking propellers on every landing, was instrumental in the naming of the club. Despite some members’ desire for a more historic or prestigious name like "Flying Tigers," Ted’s insistence on "Broken Prop R-C Club" prevailed. This quirky and unique name has since become a hallmark of the club's identity.
Establishing Identity and First Steps
The club's original logo featured a Gee Bee racer, depicted from a front top view at a 45-degree angle against a medium blue background, with a deliberately broken propeller. This logo, emblematic of the club’s character, was a visual representation of its origins and Ted’s characteristic landings. On that foundational night, membership cards were distributed, marking the official formation of the Broken Prop R-C Club.
The First Flying Field
The club's initial flying field was situated a quarter mile off Goose Pond Road. The area was rough, dotted with small tree stumps that had to be removed manually. Despite their efforts, not all stumps were cleared, requiring pilots to navigate carefully to avoid them during landings. This rugged field became the crucible where many club members honed their skills and developed their passion for R/C flying.
Winter Fun Fly’s and Early Activities
One of the club’s early traditions was the winter fun fly’s held on the south end of Mascoma Lake. These events, starting in the first or second year of the club’s existence, brought members together in the colder months, demonstrating their dedication and enthusiasm for the hobby.
Popular Aircraft and Engines
In these formative years, the Balsa USA Stick 40 emerged as the most popular aircraft among club members. Initially flown with rudder-only control, the Stick 40 became the training ground for many. Upgrading to ailerons was a significant milestone, with the symmetrical wing Stick 40 with ailerons representing a pinnacle of early achievement. Bob McDonald was notable for flying an Ace 4-40 and being the first in the club to own a four-stroke engine, an HP model.
The engines that powered these aircraft were primarily .40 cubic inch displacement models, with K&B 40, Fox 40, OS 40, and Enya 40 being the most common. These engines typically ran 10x6 propellers, and stepping up to a .60 engine represented a significant power upgrade. Few pilots ventured into this higher power range.
Fuel, Equipment, and Building
The common fuels used were Tower Hobbies and Byron's 10% nitro blends. With no internet, information and supplies were sourced through flying magazines, paper catalogs, and mail orders. This period saw a reliance on hand-built kits or scratch-built balsa planes; there were no plastic, foam, electric, or gas-powered models in those early days.
Radio systems were primarily AM band four-channel units, with a few pilots using five or six-channel radios. Each plane required its own dedicated radio. Futaba radios were flown by Peter, Ted, and Bill Malone, while Bob McDonald used Airtronics, and Avery Smith used World Engines radios.
Club Events and Community
Ted Kilton frequently served as the Contest Director (CD) for sanctioned fun fly’s, events that were highlights of the club’s calendar. These gatherings were not just about flying; they were community events where members' families played crucial roles. Ted’s wife, Darlene, often cooked at these events, while Bob’s wife, Gail, provided homemade goodies, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Spirit of the Club
The early years of the Broken Prop R-C Club were characterized by a spirit of camaraderie and a shared love for the hobby. Members flew so much that they often wore out their nitro engines, sent them back for rebuilds, and wore them out again. These were the "good old days," marked by a hands-on approach to building and flying, a deep sense of community, and countless memorable moments shared among friends.
Legacy and Continuing Traditions
The foundation laid in those early years has endured, shaping the club's identity and traditions. The stories from those formative years—of rough fields, winter fun fly’s, and the ubiquitous Balsa USA Stick 40—continue to be told and retold, reinforcing the club's rich history. The Broken Prop R-C Club remains a testament to the passion and dedication of its founding members, a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of R/C aviation enthusiasts.