Wireless Aircraft Sports Pilots (WASPs) Fly for Tots

Ocean View—Travel up Route 9 to Ocean View and you’re likely to encounter some mighty big WASPs performing aerial feats in the large field near Magnolia Lake. Don’t worry about being stung though. These wasps are Wireless Aircraft Sports Pilots and this club of model aircraft enthusiasts has been a part of life in Cape May County for more than a quarter century.
The club’s mission is straightforward enough. They provide “safe and convenient environments for local residents to fly radio controlled airplanes and helicopters.”
According to club member Chris Thraen, the WASPs currently count 45-50 active members. “They come from all over the county and beyond and include year-round and seasonal residents,” Thraen said. “We’re currently welcoming new members.”
In addition to regular group flying outings at the Ocean View field, the club meets for indoor flying at Middle Township Elementary School #2 in Court House.
The WASPs also participate in a number of local events such as Middle Township’s National Night Out and Woodbine’s Festival of Friends. And they perform community services such as their twice-yearly road cleanups.
Perhaps the biggest service event of the year is the third annual Toys for Tots Fun Fly, scheduled for Oct. 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ocean View Field, off Route 9 at Main Street (actually South Seaville). Admission is free for anyone bringing an unwrapped toy or cash donation.
“Bring a gift and enjoy the show,” says Thraen, adding that refreshments will be available.
For 20 years, Toys for Tots has been the Marine Corps program through which half a billion toys have been distributed to millions of kids throughout the United States. Locally, the program collects donations from events such as the Fun Fly and, prior to Christmas, passes along the toys to area fire companies. The firemen play Santa to children in their respective communities. “What we collect stays In Cape May and Atlantic Counties,” Thraen noted. “In fact, there will be a pair of uniformed marines at the field to accept the donations.” He added that last year’s Fun Fly netted more than $1500. “It all goes to the kids. Thraen added. “The WASPs don’t keep anything.”
Typically, a club gathering involves as many as 45-50 model planes, with many of the pilots bringing along backup aircraft in case they encounter “technical difficulties,” according to Thraen. The Toys for Tots Fun Fly offers a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about model aviation. “The only requirement for membership in our club is that you join the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA),” Thraen said.
Headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, the AMA is the world’s largest model aviation association, representing 150,000 hobbyists.
The WASPs are a charter member of AMA. Any new member, age 18 or under, is exempt from paying initial dues. The club also offers flight instruction for those interested.
For more information, check out the WASP website at www.wasprc.org.