Aberdeen & District Soarers was formed in 1978 by a group of aeromodelling and model gliding enthusiasts. Main types of flying include thermal and slope soaring, however the advances in technology has seen the introduction and increasing use of electric powered models by members.
Club members fly regularly at various local flat field sites and slopes whenever the weather is suitable. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome. We also hold a number of friendly fly-ins and competitions throughout the summer months and indoor flying meetings at Bridge of Don during the winter months. If you are interested in joining ADS or learning to fly, please contact the club secretary via the email address on the Club Info page.
On 15th May 2022, to mark the BMFA Centenary, model fliers attempted to set a new world record for mass participation model flying for clubs across Britain. Hundreds of model aircraft fans across the country took part in this historic event. Keen Aberdeen radio controlled model aircraft enthusiasts gathered at the Aberdeen and District Soarers Lynne of Skene flying site. Model pilots took to the skies all together just before 1200 hrs to ensure that the maximum number of model aircraft were in the air at 1200 hrs. In Aberdeen we managed to get 11 model aircraft flying at the appointed time.
After the submitted records were counted it was confirmed that 263 clubs took part and 3019 aircraft were in the air at the same time across the counrty. This is a UK and world record. Well done and a big thank you to all who took part or came and supported us.
Thanks to Murat Kece for arranging the capture of the ADS effort on video and film which are linked above.
The annual feed and fly took place at Kerloch on Saturday 14th May. Breakfast was enjoyed at Morrisons Cafe before taking to the skies. Hope the weight and balances were not affected!
The flying session where the object of the meet is to go home with less than you arrived with. Crashing not allowed!
(Photos: Mert Kece, Derek Robertson)
Soarers by name soarers by nature. A few shots of some of the lads at Brimmond and The Cairn.
We are not always up a hill you know. Some of our members prefer a more leisurely arrival at the flying site!
(Photos: Brian Cullen, Mike Pirie, Stephen Davies, Derek Robertson)
The final indoor session was on Sunday 27 March at the Jesmond Sports Centre, Bridge of Don during which the Indoor Competition was held with scrap balsa V3 chuck gliders. After the huffing and puffing was over Mike Burns emerged victorious and is pictured receiving his spoils from Steve.
| Pilot | Total |
| Mike Pirie | 4122 |
| Jim Wilson | 3455 |
| Stephen Davies | 2494 |
| Mike Burns | 1953 |
| Norrie Kerr | 203 |
| Pilot | Flight Time |
| Jim Wilson | 0024:54 |
| Mike Pirie | 00:17:48 |
| Stephen Davies | 00:07:03 |
| Mike Burns | 00:05:04 |
| Norrie Kerr | 00:05:02 |
A look back over the years at the activities of ADS.
