IRCHA

Lore & Background

IRCHA was created in 1989 by Don Chapman as the representative body for helicopter pilots. The Academy of Model Aeronautics recognizes one organization as the Special Interest Group for each particular segment of the hobby. IRCHA was recognized as the SIG for helicopters during a time when model helicopters were still evolving. It was at this time an organization representing helicopter pilots needed to be created to ensure each of those pilots was represented to the AMA.

The IRCHA Jamboree is a "fun fly" typically starting the second week in August. The event is held in Muncie, Indiana at the AMA Headquarters. The IRCHA Jamboree attracts radio control helicopter enthusiasts from around the world, including pilots, vendors and spectators. Registered pilots may fly their helicopters, participate in seminars, or compete in a multitude of exciting exhibition events including drag racing, pylon racing, night flying competition, or a freestyle 3D competition.

The IRCHA Jamboree is the largest event of its kind in the world. The 2009 IRCHA Jamboree had a total of 954 registered pilots at the event, shattering the previous record, set in 2008, with a total of 780 registered pilots. In 2012 the record was broken once again with a total of 1,049 registered pilots.

Reader's Guide

IRCHA's significance lies in its role as the officially recognized Special Interest Group for radio-controlled helicopters within the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Founded in 1989 by Don Chapman, it was created at a time when model helicopters were still evolving and a unified voice was needed to represent helicopter pilots to the AMA. The organization works to promote the continued growth of the hobby through education, representation, service, and special events. Its flagship event, the IRCHA Jamboree, held annually in Muncie, Indiana at the AMA Headquarters, has become the largest gathering of its kind in the world. The event draws pilots, vendors, and spectators from around the globe, offering activities such as drag racing, pylon racing, night flying competition, and freestyle 3D competition. Attendance records demonstrate the event's growth: 780 registered pilots in 2008, 954 in 2009, and 1,049 in 2012. IRCHA's legacy is its ongoing collaboration with the AMA to foster growth and acceptance among radio control modelers, ensuring helicopter pilots have dedicated representation and a major annual gathering.

Did You Know?

• The IRCHA Jamboree is held at the AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana.
• The 2012 IRCHA Jamboree set a record with 1,049 registered pilots.