New RC airshow ‘Turbines & Tumbleweeds’ soars to Sweetwater

SWEETWATER, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) – The Abilene RC Society recently got approval to host a larger airshow in Sweetwater this fall. “Turbines and Tumbleweeds,” inspired by Nolan County’s turbine jets and wind turbines, expects to have 50 pilots in attendance.

RC Society member, Craig Rideout, has been no stranger to the sky, flying RC (radio controlled) aircrafts since he was just about 12 years old.

“Aviation has always been a passion, and I had a friend growing up that we went over to swim at his house. One day in his pool room, he had RC planes in there and ever since I saw them for the first time, we couldn’t stop messing with them,” Rideout recalled.

While staying on the ground attached to a joystick rather than being in the pilot’s seat, Rideout said, as a longtime member of the Abilene RC Society, it’s a hobby that can be for anyone.

“There is just so much to know. So many hours you have to spend reading online, getting with other people at the flying field. They are jets because they have an actual turbine engine, or abducted fan electric,” said Rideout.

As a way to get the hobby to new heights, Ivan, Abilene RC Society president, decided to get the approval to throw a all new airshow in Sweetwater, by the city council. Getting the approval in March of 2024, the society chose to have the event October 5 at Avenger Field due to the need for more space.

“We are calling it ‘Turbines and Tumbleweeds’ [because of the] turbine jet engines and wind turbines out of Sweetwater. They are a little bit heavier, they are a little bit bigger, and a traditional model airplane field doesn’t really get- it’s not really long enough,” Ivan explained.

While some aircrafts can span as long as 12 feet, the event organizers said the opportunity to fly at any airport always attracts more pilots. The hope here is that pilots and spectators alike will touchdown on avenger field when the time comes.

“We need more room to fly just because of the speeds, and the way that the aircraft fly at. It would not be unlikely to get people from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, etc.,” added Ivan.

Ivan promised an economic boost for the City of Sweetwater, with enough space to accommodate thousands of spectators, “In the 35 to 50 pilot range, which could easily push 100 aircrafts, if everyone is bringing two or three a piece.”

The Abilene RC Society told KTAB/KRBC it is working to ensure a seamless and safe experience for all, as well as working with other amenity attractions like food trucks and concessions for attendees.

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