ASSOCIATION
About OCMA
Home of Bob Swenson Memorial Field · AMA Chartered Club #58 · FAA-Recognized FRIA Site
Who we are
The Orange County Modelers Association (OCMA) operates Bob Swenson Memorial Field in Silverado, California. AMA-chartered club #58, OCMA brings together local AMA clubs to maintain and share a County Parks flying site under consistent safety standards and field rules.
To fly at Bob Swenson Memorial Field, you must be an OCMA member and have a current OCMA badge. To become an OCMA member, you must first be a current AMA member, hold FAA registration, and belong to one of OCMA’s participating clubs.
The field is also an AMA-sponsored FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), so aircraft can be flown inside the mapped boundary without Remote ID broadcast equipment. See Field Info for details.
Visit Membership for application instructions, and Field Info for the field location, hours, and flying requirements.
2000
Founded
10
Participating clubs
68
Acres at the field
#58
AMA charter
Purpose
OCMA was formed in 2000 by local AMA clubs that wanted to share and operate a common flying field. Fourteen clubs participated at the beginning; today, OCMA includes 10 participating clubs.
Our purpose is straightforward: keep Bob Swenson Memorial Field open, meet Orange County Parks requirements, and provide a safe place for members to enjoy every part of the RC hobby. Fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, scale models, FPV, and other forms of model aviation are welcome when operated safely and in accordance with AMA and OCMA rules.
Members help make the field work by following the established flying areas and field rules, displaying their OCMA badge while on site, and cooperating with Field Marshals and other volunteers. Board meetings are open to members, and volunteer help with field work and events is always appreciated.
Field history
2000
OCMA was founded as AMA chartered club #58. From January 2000 through June 2006, the association flew at El Toro Field on the former El Toro Marine Base.
2006
OCMA leased 68 acres above Irvine Lake at Black Starr Canyon. The new flying site became known as Black Starr Field.
2009
After founding member Bob Swenson passed away in July 2009, the field was dedicated in his honor and renamed Bob Swenson Memorial Field.
Participating clubs
To become an OCMA member, you must belong to one of the following AMA clubs. Club websites are included where published by the association.
TMAA is not accepting new members who reside in Orange County. Current TMAA members may continue to use TMAA as their participating club.
- RC Bees
AMA charter 143 - Circle City Flyers
AMA charter 1862 · circlecityflyers.com - Scale Squadron
AMA charter 1520 · scalesquadron.com - California Scale Modelers Association
AMA charter 4649 - Anaheim Model Airplane Club
AMA charter 1472
Current officers
Reach officers through the Contact form. Pick the topic that matches what you need.
| Office | Name |
|---|---|
| President / Webmaster | Tim Cardin |
| Vice President | Jerome Mezzasalma |
| Treasurer / Membership | Greg Stone |
| Secretary | Nathan Stone |
| Safety Officer | Dave Kadonoff |
Board meetings
The Board of Directors meets monthly, and all OCMA members are welcome to attend. Recent meetings have been held at Round Table Pizza, 1737 E Katella Ave, Orange, CA 92867. Dinner is available beforehand, with the meeting beginning at 7:00 PM.
The association is governed by its bylaws (PDF).
Please confirm the next meeting date on events page.
Come meet fellow pilots, share your ideas, and volunteer when you can. Member involvement is what keeps OCMA—and the field—going.