Join Tinley Creek RC — Membership in Matteson, IL
Join an RC flying club in the Chicago south suburbs — 79 members, a great field in Matteson, IL, and the kind of club where pilots actually help each other out. RC club membership is $35/year. Come fly with experienced pilots, show up to events, and be part of something real.
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What Your RC Club Membership Includes
The field is open to everyone — membership connects you to the people who keep it going.
A Community That Helps
Whether you're a first-time pilot or building your tenth plane, there's always someone at the field who's been through it and willing to help.
Flight Instruction
New to RC? Club members offer free buddy-box instruction (dual-control training where an instructor can take over if needed). You don't have to figure it out alone.
Access to Club Events
Fun flys, warbird events, our annual all-aircraft fly-in, and the heli event — members get to fly in them, help run them, and know about them first.
Access to Field Boxes
Tools, fuel, and field supplies — right there when you need them. No running back to the car.
Stay in the Loop
Field conditions, event schedules, and club news land in your inbox so you always know what's happening before you load up the truck.
Voting Rights
Members vote on officers and club decisions. It's your club — you should have a say in how it's run.
What We Ask of Members
We keep it simple. Show up ready to fly safe and be a good neighbor.
AMA Membership
To fly solo you need a current AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) membership — it's the liability coverage that protects you and the club. But there's no rush. Join TCRC, come out to the field, fly buddy-box with a member, and sign up for AMA when you're ready. Takes about 10 minutes at modelaircraft.org.
FAA Registration
If your aircraft weighs more than 0.55 lbs, it needs to be registered with the FAA and marked with your registration number. Costs $5 for three years at faadronezone.faa.gov. Our field has FRIA designation, so no Remote ID module is required while you're flying here — but the aircraft itself still has to be registered.
Club Conduct
We're all here for the same reason. These aren't rules — just how good pilots operate.
- Respect other pilots' airspace and give way when needed
- If a new pilot is struggling, offer to help — we all started somewhere
- Keep the pit area clean and take your trash with you
- If you see an unsafe situation, say something — no one's above a safety reminder
How to Join Our RC Flying Club
Find Dale at the field any weekend morning, or send us a message and we'll get you sorted.
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1
Come out to the field
Show up on a weekend and introduce yourself. You don't need AMA, a membership, or even a plane to visit. If you want to try flying, one of the guys will probably offer to take you up on buddy-box.
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2
Find Dale
Dale's at the field most weekend mornings. Pay $35 with cash or check (made out to Tinley Creek RC Inc.) and you're in. Seniors (65+) and youth pay $30.
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3
Get AMA when you're ready
To fly solo you'll need AMA membership for insurance — but there's no rush. Fly with a member first and sign up when it makes sense. Takes about 10 minutes online.
Dale Bock
Dale's at the field most weekend mornings. Just find him, pay with cash or check (made out to Tinley Creek RC Inc.), and you're in.
Ready to Join?
Come by on a weekend — the field is open to everyone and you're welcome to watch or ask questions. No membership needed to visit.