University Partnerships & Student Outreach 

Supporting Future Engineers – Hackensack Valley Flyers & University Partnerships

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aerospace Innovators

Each year, the Hackensack Valley Flyers RC Club proudly supports college engineering teams preparing for national design and flight competitions such as the AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) challenge. Our club provides a safe, controlled environment for students to test, tune, and fly their aircraft designs as part of their academic and competitive goals.

Over the years, we’ve worked closely with Columbia University and previouslly Stevens Institute of Technology, to help students translate theory into hands-on experience. These collaborations combine education, engineering, and the thrill of aviation—all taking place at our flying site in Overpeck Park, Bergen County, NJ.

What the AIAA DBF Program Is

The Design/Build/Fly competition, organized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), challenges university teams from around the world to design, construct, and demonstrate radio-controlled aircraft that meet specific mission objectives each year. It’s an incredible opportunity for students to gain practical engineering experience while fostering teamwork and creativity.

What We Do

The Hackensack Valley Flyers RC Club assists by:

• Providing access to our AMA-approved flying field for testing and flight preparation.
  
  

• Offering pilot assistance and safety oversight during test flights.
  
  

• Sharing RC expertise to help students understand performance, stability, and equipment setup.
  
  

• Supporting their practice sessions ahead of the official competition.
  
  

• Encouraging collaboration between experienced RC hobbyists and future engineers.
  
  

A Look Back – Highlights and Experience

We’ve proudly hosted student teams from Columbia University for several years, offering them a chance to test fly their innovative aircraft designs. In past seasons, Stevens Institute of Technology and other colleges have also visited for mentorship and flight sessions.

Our members enjoy helping students apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Whether through guidance on flight safety, model setup, or just cheering them on, these partnerships have become a meaningful part of our club’s mission.

Get Involved

We welcome universities, colleges, and student organizations interested in participating or learning about the AIAA Design/Build/Fly program. Our members are all volunteers who enjoy promoting the RC hobby, supporting education, and expanding access to aviation within the community.

📧 Contact us: bobkoe2802000@yahoo.com