DVSS
Our members fly radio-controlled gliders from a site in Pleasanton, California. For information about this site and when we fly please use the "contact" button at the bottom of this page.
DVSS members come from a variety of backgrounds and include several younger pilots. All members are technically knowledgeable, responsible and safety conscious. Our sailplanes are often expensive and have taken many long hours to construct and maintain - all possible precautions are taken to guard against accidents or crashes.
Since 1979 the DVSS has been a chartered member club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) - the national model aircraft sanctioning body. All DVSS members must also belong to the AMA and fully subscribe to the rules of conduct and safety set forth by that body. The DVSS requires AMA membership of all club members so that they are covered by that organization’s individual member insurance coverage. Additionally, the DVSS funds explicit insurance policies through the AMA covering the owners of the areas at which its members fly.
Flying with the DVSS
Our sailplanes range from hand-launched gliders with 60” wingspans that weigh less than 10 ounces to four-meter wingspan sailplanes made from carbon fiber that cost thousands of dollars and are used in world-level competition. The models we fly feature state-of-the-art digital control systems that provide our pilots with precise and reliable control.
The sailplanes have no motors and are launched to flying altitude by use of electric winches, elastic bungee cords or via a hand launch. Once the sailplane is aloft, the pilot seeks out bubbles of rising warm air known as “thermals.” By circling within a thermal a model sailplane can remain aloft, without power, for an hour or more depending on the weather conditions and pilot skill. A radio-controlled sailplane pilot uses the same techniques to stay aloft as the Red-Tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures common to the Amador Valley. In fact, our model sailplanes often share the same thermal with our feathered friends.
After circling gracefully and silently at altitude the pilot guides their sailplane to the designated landing area. In many cases the pilot will bring their model to rest right at their feet or will even catch the model in flight.
DVSS model sailplane activity has negligible impact on the surrounding properties and passers-by are usually unaware of the totally silent models overhead.
To learn more about flying with the DVSS, please send a message through the “Contact” link below, or visit our club forum on BayRC.com.
DVSS members come from a variety of backgrounds and include several younger pilots. All members are technically knowledgeable, responsible and safety conscious. Our sailplanes are often expensive and have taken many long hours to construct and maintain - all possible precautions are taken to guard against accidents or crashes.
Since 1979 the DVSS has been a chartered member club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) - the national model aircraft sanctioning body. All DVSS members must also belong to the AMA and fully subscribe to the rules of conduct and safety set forth by that body. The DVSS requires AMA membership of all club members so that they are covered by that organization’s individual member insurance coverage. Additionally, the DVSS funds explicit insurance policies through the AMA covering the owners of the areas at which its members fly.
Flying with the DVSS
Our sailplanes range from hand-launched gliders with 60” wingspans that weigh less than 10 ounces to four-meter wingspan sailplanes made from carbon fiber that cost thousands of dollars and are used in world-level competition. The models we fly feature state-of-the-art digital control systems that provide our pilots with precise and reliable control.
The sailplanes have no motors and are launched to flying altitude by use of electric winches, elastic bungee cords or via a hand launch. Once the sailplane is aloft, the pilot seeks out bubbles of rising warm air known as “thermals.” By circling within a thermal a model sailplane can remain aloft, without power, for an hour or more depending on the weather conditions and pilot skill. A radio-controlled sailplane pilot uses the same techniques to stay aloft as the Red-Tailed Hawks and Turkey Vultures common to the Amador Valley. In fact, our model sailplanes often share the same thermal with our feathered friends.
After circling gracefully and silently at altitude the pilot guides their sailplane to the designated landing area. In many cases the pilot will bring their model to rest right at their feet or will even catch the model in flight.
DVSS model sailplane activity has negligible impact on the surrounding properties and passers-by are usually unaware of the totally silent models overhead.
To learn more about flying with the DVSS, please send a message through the “Contact” link below, or visit our club forum on BayRC.com.
New Club Trainer Plane!
We now have a club trainer for beginning pilots to learn how to fly. The plane is pictured here, a 2 meter built-up balsa glider with rudder and elevator control. This is the best setup to learn on, with gentle flight characteristics and simple controls.
Anyone is welcome to visit our club and try it out, no membership required.
Anyone is welcome to visit our club and try it out, no membership required.
Buddy Box Training System
This is our "Buddy Box" system, with 2 controllers linked together. An experienced pilot has control of the plane, but can shift control temporarily to the student by holding down a button. When the button is released, control is immediately returned to the teacher. This is a very safe, proven, and fool-proof system.
Ours is on 2.4 gHz, to reduce interference and provide the maximum range and a solid radio link.
Ours is on 2.4 gHz, to reduce interference and provide the maximum range and a solid radio link.