Celebrate Aviation Fun, Community, and 100 Years of Guillow’s on June 20th, 2026!
On June 20, 2026, aviation enthusiasts, families, and curious newcomers will gather at the historic Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts, for a unique event celebrating the art, skill, and excitement of free-flight model aviation.
The Annual Stealth Squadron Model Airplane Club Fun Fly is coordinated by members of the Flying Aces Club’s Stealth Squadron and sponsored by Historic New England and Guillow’s. This year’s event will also be a part of Guillow’s ongoing 100th Anniversary celebration.
Unlike competitive flying events, this gathering is designed with a different purpose: introducing the public to the timeless hobby of stick-and-tissue free flight modeling.
“This is not a contest,” explains Flying Aces Club representative and event coordinator Richard Zapf. “It’s an opportunity to introduce stick-and-tissue free-flight modeling to the public.”
According to Zapf, the event itself grew from a simple demonstration flight held at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, a property operated by Historic New England. One successful flying demonstration quickly captured the attention of staff and visitors alike.
“One demo flight impressed the staff and bystanders,” Zapf recalls. “Historic New England immediately came up with the idea of suggesting the Flying Aces Club put on a day-long demonstration.”
The result is a family-friendly event that combines aviation history, craftsmanship, and outdoor fun in a picturesque New England setting. Historic New England’s support has helped transform the gathering into a larger educational experience, complete with exhibit spaces, public address support, food trucks, shaded spectator areas, and flying demonstrations throughout the day.
Zapf says the venue itself is ideal for free flight demonstrations.
“There is adequate space to put in demonstration flights, and the spectator area is well shaded and is a good place to put down a blanket and have a picnic.”
Attendees can expect to see a variety of rubber-powered free-flight models take to the skies, including historic aircraft from the First and Second World Wars. The event schedule includes several exciting “Mass Launches,” where multiple models are launched simultaneously, creating one of the day’s biggest visual highlights.
“Mass Launches are the most exciting event for both participants and spectators because of the number of models in the air at the same time,” says Zapf. “It is a chance to see WWI models like the German Fokker D-7 circling with a French Spad 13, or in the WWII event, seeing a British Spitfire and a Messerschmitt in the air at the same time.”
For many visitors, however, the most memorable moments may come from participating firsthand.
“The most fun moment of the event is helping first-time flyers become airborne,” says Zapf. “This is especially true of children who get really excited as they chase their model downwind.”
As part of the event, attendees with paid admission will have the opportunity to receive free Guillow’s models while supplies last. Zapf recommends that beginners start with the ‘quick-to-build/easy-to-fly’ toy planes and progress to one of Guillow’s simpler kits as they get into the hobby.
“The 4000 Series Simple Build n’ Fly Learning Series from Guillow’s has four kits that are ideal for the beginner,” he says.
For Zapf, whose love of aviation stretches back to childhood, free flight modeling represents far more than just a hobby.
“I cannot recall a time when I wasn’t interested in aviation,” he says. “I was always playing with toy aircraft and folding paper planes.”
That lifelong fascination eventually led him toward aviation-themed historical writing after retiring from a career as a neuropsychologist. Yet, he believes the hobby itself offers important benefits beyond entertainment.
“The process of building and flying one of these models is more complex than one would guess,” Zapf explains. “It involves organization, planning, research, and an understanding of aerodynamics.”
He notes that over the years, he has watched young hobbyists grow into careers in engineering and aviation.
“Who would have guessed that a couple of eleven-year-olds were already using tools to conduct research?” he adds with a smile.
Now celebrating its 100th Anniversary, Guillow’s continues to inspire generations of builders and flyers through events like this one. The company’s partnership with the Flying Aces Club and Historic New England reflects a shared commitment to preserving both aviation history and the hands-on joy of model building.
“Guillow’s is proud to be part of this event, and year after year, the turnout and energy are always fun. Friends and families have a memorable time building and flying our custom motor planes outdoors while enjoying the Flying Aces Show!” says Jason Wooten of Guillow’s.
2026 FUN FLY Event Details:
The Stealth Squadron Free Flight Model Airplane Club Fun Fly will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 20, 2026, at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts.
- Event activities will include demonstration flights, timed flying events, building and trimming tips, and multiple mass launches throughout the day.
- Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased here
- Should weather conditions require it, the event will be rescheduled to either July 11th or 18th, 2026.
For more information about the Flying Aces Club, visit FlyingAcesClub.com.
