Matteson, Illinois · AMA Charter #5409
The Southland's Home for RC Flying
We're a club built around the hobby — welcoming pilots at every skill level and anyone who wants to come watch. If it flies on a radio, it has a home here.
Matteson, IL Open 365 Days a Year All Skill Levels WelcomeA Club for Everyone Who Flies
Tinley Creek RC started in 2018 when a handful of pilots at the Cook County Forest Preserve field in Matteson decided the hobby needed a club that was actually welcoming — not cliquey, not political, just people helping each other fly. That's still what it is. About 79 members, experienced pilots who genuinely enjoy helping newcomers, and a casual atmosphere where you'll actually want to stick around.
You don't need to be a member to fly or visit the field. But if you stick around, membership is worth it — events, instruction, and a community of people who take the hobby seriously without taking themselves too seriously. The club is led by a volunteer board of officers who keep things running.
A Real Flying Field — Not a Parking Lot
We fly at Tinley Creek Model Airplane Flying Field — a Cook County Forest Preserve facility in Matteson with dedicated zones for planes, helis, and drones. Open sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.
More Than Just Flying
Most weekends, someone's out at the field. You'll see a mix of sport planes, warbirds, helis, and drones — and at least one person willing to help you with whatever you're working on. The club also hosts events throughout the year, most of which are open to anyone, member or not.
Annual Fun Fly
Our biggest event of the year — all aircraft types, all skill levels, open to everyone. A full day at the field with demos, casual competition, and some of the best flying of the year.
Summer BBQs
Food at the field. Members eat free. A good excuse to come out, fly, and meet the crowd without a specific agenda.
Monthly Meetings with Demos
Monthly meetings with hands-on demos — equipment reviews, technique walkthroughs, and open discussion from pilots across all aircraft types.
Membership Is Optional — But Worth It
The field is public and open to all. But club membership connects you to the community, the instruction program, and events all year for less than the cost of a battery pack.
What's Included
- Free flight instruction and a community that genuinely helps beginners
- Free food at every club event — BBQs, fun flies, and meetings
- Monthly meetings, field supply access, and first word on club news
A Note on AMA
To fly at the field, all pilots need a current AMA membership (or equivalent insurance). This is a Cook County Forest Preserve requirement — not a club rule. AMA membership starts at $89/year and includes liability coverage.
New pilots flying under the direct supervision of an experienced member are fine to start without it, but plan to get your AMA if you continue the hobby.
Learn About AMA →Come See for Yourself
The best way to get a feel for the club is to show up. Pull into the lot off S Cicero Ave, walk over to the field, and introduce yourself. The crowd here is friendly — no appointment needed.
Questions? We're Happy to Help.
Send us a message using the form or just stop by the field on a weekend — someone's almost always out there. Whether you're thinking about the hobby or already flying, we're happy to answer questions.
19498 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Open sunrise to sunset · 365 days a year · Free
Check the events page for upcoming dates
Use the contact form — we'll get back to you shortly