Join the Chino Valley Flyers for the 19th Annual Worldwide Ringmaster Fly-A-Thon, an international celebration of control line (CL) model aviation!
Each year, Ringmaster enthusiasts around the globe take to the skies during the same week, logging their flights as part of a worldwide effort to celebrate the enduring popularity of this classic model airplane. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or have never flown control line, your participation at the Fly-A-Thon contributes to the international flight total!
The event was recently renamed in memory of the original organizer, Joey Mathison. Joey passed away in 2025 and the event continues in honor of Joey and to celebrate his legacy.
This is not a contest! There are no entry fees, no registration, and no prizes. It’s simply an opportunity to enjoy flying, introduce newcomers to the hobby, and participate in something much bigger than our local flying field.
Don’t own a Ringmaster? Never flown control line? No problem! We will provide a model, and experienced pilots will be available to coach newcomer flyers.
Just drop in anytime Saturday or Sunday. Adults, kids, grandkids, and anyone curious about control line flying are welcome!
Come fly with us and be part of a worldwide celebration of the Ringmaster!
Where: Chino Valley Flyers Field, Chino Valley, AZ
When: Saturday & Sunday, October 3-4, 2026
Registration Fee: Free!
Contest Director: Randy Meatherell (email: Randy Meathrell)
General Information
This event will take place on the control line circle at CVF Field. You do not need to be a member of CVF, nor is any experience in control line flying a requirement. The purpose of the event is to log as many flights and laps as possible over the two days of the event and combine those with the totals generated around the world. This is a terrific opportunity to be part of something much more than a few laps around the control line circle.
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- All AMA and club safety rules will be enforced.
- Pilots need not have current AMA or FAA registration.
- Pilots need not not be CVF members.
- No experience with control line? No problem! CVF control line coaches will be on site to assist with everything.
- No pilot registration and no registration fee is required.
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Schedule: The control line circle at CVF Field will be open from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Show up when you can and bring as many family members and friends as you can round up.
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- 8:00am – Official flying begins.
- 2:00pm – Official flying ends.
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This event will not interfere with normal operations at the Chino Valley Flyers R/C runway. All activities surrounding this event are restricted to the control line circle at the west end of the runway.
Flight Format: This event is open to anyone who wants to drive a control line model in a circle for 5 laps. Flying 5 laps will take less than two minutes to complete and will be one of the most exciting things you’ve tried in a long time. Take offs and landings are not required as there will be experienced control line pilots on hand to deal with those parts of the flight.
Download the Flyer: Ringmaster 2026 Flyer
For More Information: Fly-A-Thon Information Page
Don’t let this group of Old Buzzards intimidate you. Although they may look a little rough, they represent nearly a century of control line experience. We’ll make sure they’re well fed in advance and are ready to support anyone who wants to take a hand at control line flying.
