IRCHA
Representing radio control helicopter pilots since 1989.
The International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA) was founded by radio control helicopter pilots to support the hobby. Its mission involves promoting the growth of RC helicopters through education, representation, service, and special events. IRCHA collaborates with the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) to encourage development and acceptance among modelers.
IRCHA was established in 1989 by Don Chapman to act as the representative body for helicopter pilots. The AMA designates one Special Interest Group for each segment of the hobby, and IRCHA was recognized as the SIG for helicopters when model helicopters were still evolving. At that time, an organization was needed to ensure helicopter pilots had representation to the AMA.
The IRCHA Jamboree is a fun fly event that typically begins in the second week of August. It takes place at the AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, and draws RC helicopter enthusiasts from around the world, including pilots, vendors, and spectators. Registered pilots can fly their helicopters, attend seminars, or compete in events such as drag racing, pylon racing, night flying competitions, and freestyle 3D contests.
The IRCHA Jamboree is the largest event of its kind globally. In 2009, it had 954 registered pilots, breaking the previous record of 780 set in 2008. The record was broken again in 2012 with 1,049 registered pilots.
- Founded
- 1989
- Founder
- Don Chapman
- Headquarters event location
- Muncie, Indiana at the AMA Headquarters
- Largest event
- IRCHA Jamboree
- 2009 registered pilots
- 954
- 2008 registered pilots
- 780
- 2012 registered pilots
- 1049
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 recognized Special Interest Group for radio-controlled helicopters within the Academy of Model Aeronautics. By representing helicopter pilots to the AMA, it ensures that the unique needs of this segment of the hobby are addressed. The organization's primary legacy is its annual Jamboree, which has grown to become the largest event of its kind globally. The attendance records—954 pilots in 2009, surpassing 780 in 2008, and then 1,049 in 2012—demonstrate the event's increasing draw and the expanding community of radio control helicopter enthusiasts. Through education, representation, service, and special events, IRCHA has fostered the continued growth and acceptance of radio-controlled helicopters among modelers worldwide. Its close collaboration with the AMA has helped integrate helicopter modeling into the broader aeromodeling community, while the Jamboree provides a central gathering point for pilots, vendors, and spectators to share knowledge, compete, and celebrate the hobby.
Did You Know?
- The 2012 Jamboree set a record with 1,049 registered pilots.
- Registered pilots at the Jamboree can compete in drag racing, pylon racing, night flying, and freestyle 3D.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRCHA?
IRCHA stands for the International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association, a body created specifically to advocate for and support pilots who fly radio-controlled helicopters. It serves as the official Special Interest Group for the helicopter segment within the broader model aviation community.
Who started IRCHA and in what year?
Don Chapman established the organization in 1989 to give helicopter pilots a dedicated representative voice within the hobby. Since that founding, IRCHA has worked to grow the segment through education, events, and advocacy.
How does IRCHA connect to the AMA?
The Academy of Model Aeronautics assigns one Special Interest Group to each branch of the hobby, and IRCHA holds that role for helicopters. The two organizations partner on programs aimed at developing the sport and gaining wider acceptance among modelers.
What is the IRCHA Jamboree?
The Jamboree is the association's flagship gathering, drawing registered helicopter pilots from across the country to a single event. It is held at the AMA Headquarters in Muncie, Indiana, and serves as the largest annual get-together for the community.
How big is the IRCHA membership?
Registered pilot numbers grew from 780 in 2008 to 954 by 2009, reflecting steady expansion of the hobby's helicopter segment. The organization continues to track and support its growing base of active RC helicopter flyers.
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