If you’ve ever looked up and spotted what looked like a miniature airplane soaring gracefully through the sky in Broome County, there’s a good chance it was being flown by one of the passionate members of the Binghamton Aeros.

This local club has been sharing its love of radio-controlled (R/C) aircraft with the community for nearly 40 years and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Where It All Began

Back on September 18, 1985, nine like-minded R/C pilots came together to form the Binghamton Aeros. What united them was their shared passion for building and flying giant-scale R/C aircraft, those impressive models that can sometimes be as big as your dining room table.

Today, while giant-scale planes are still a big part of what the club does, you don’t have to own one to join the fun. Members fly everything from tiny micros to turbine-powered jets. If it’s got wings, chances are someone in the club is flying it.

It’s Not Just About Planes, it’s About People

At its core, the Binghamton Aeros is about more than just flying. It’s about friendship, fun, and staying safe while enjoying a unique and exciting hobby. The club is a proud member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), which helps set guidelines for safety and education in the R/C flying world.

READ MORE: Owego Elementary Earns National Recognition for Putting Students First

Mark Your Calendar: 40th Annual Festival of Giants

One of the biggest highlights of the year is almost here. The 40th Annual Festival of Giants R/C Airshow is set to take place August 7 through 9 at the Chenango Bridge Airport. This three-day event draws skilled pilots from across the U.S. and features some of the largest radio-controlled aircraft you’ll ever see, including giant biplanes and real turbine jets. Some of these flying machines are nearly half the size of their full-scale counterparts!

Flying goes on almost non-stop throughout the event, and it’s a fantastic outing for the whole family. There will be food, refreshments, raffle tables, and plenty of action in the skies. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged, either cash or non-perishable food items in support of CHOW (Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse). The event runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

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So bring a chair, pack some sunscreen, and prepare to be wowed by the amazing world of R/C aviation right here in Broome County. Whether you’re a lifelong aviation buff or just looking for something new to explore with the family, the Binghamton Aeros are ready to welcome you.

Upstate New York Road Trip: Spotlight on Broome County!

We continue with our series of county spotlights with a closer look at Broome County. The county has a population of about 200,000 residents, with a quarter of them (50,000) living in and around the county seat of Binghamton. Home to fine schools including the State University of New York at Binghamton, one of the system's four university centers.

The county has many small town and villages as well as the larger cities of Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City, Endicott, and Endwell. These smaller places include Chenango Bridge, Windsor, Deposit, Harpursville, Whitney Point (home of the Broome County Fair), and others. The county covers over 700 square miles.

Here is a list of 21 things to do and see to make your trip to beautiful Broome County enjoyable.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

The 12 Best Broome County Hiking Trails

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