Club History

United Flying Organization (UFO) Club History

Founded in 1983

The origins of the United Flying Organization trace back to 1983, when a small group of friends gathered to fly R/C model airplanes in an open field behind the Kmart near Union Lake Road and Commerce Road. What began as informal weekend flying quickly grew into a dedicated community. In 1984, the group officially joined the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and adopted the name Union Lake Flying Organization, proudly carrying the initials U.F.O.

That same year, the club moved from the Kmart field to open land leased from the Michigan DNR at a former Nike missile base on Wise Road in Commerce Township. This became the club’s first true flying site.

Early Leadership and Growth

The club’s first president, James Kring, served in 1984. Kring was an early pioneer of R/C helicopter flying—long before kits were common or the discipline was widely practiced. He was followed in 1985 by Ken Myers, one of the region’s earliest adopters of electric-powered flight.

During these early years, many UFO members were active Pattern competitors, and the club hosted numerous well-attended contests. Membership grew rapidly, reaching around 90 members.

Noise Restrictions and the Search for a New Home

In 1986, the AMA introduced new noise restrictions requiring mufflers on all aircraft. At the same time, the DNR began receiving noise complaints from the subdivision across the street from the Nike site. When a wayward model eventually crashed in a homeowner’s driveway, the situation came to a head. In 1987, the club was evicted from the Wise Road location. We had 87 members and no flying field.

Despite the setback, the DNR assisted the club in locating a new site within the Highland Recreation Area, on a closed landfill. In 1989, the club secured a lease for the Teeple Road field at a symbolic cost of $1 per year, and the club’s name was officially changed to the United Flying Organization.

Modern Era and Continued Tradition

By 1996, annual dues were set at $60, and in 2000, the club launched its first website, expanding communication and outreach. Over the years, the UFO has hosted countless events, fun-flys, and community activities, maintaining a reputation as a welcoming and active club.

Today, the UFO averages around 75 members, continuing the tradition of camaraderie, skill-building, and a shared love of flight that began more than four decades ago.

Longtime Members

Several early members remain active or connected to the club, including:

Phillip Borkowski

Bill DeJack

Ken Filloon

Jim McIntosh

Mike Stuetzer

Dave Wienczak

Jim Wren

About This History

This historical summary is based on club records and past newsletters. If you discover any inaccuracies or have additional information to share, please contact Steve Labuta or Joseph Roose so the record can be updated.

Club Field Locations

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