Flying High

Charlie Yow pilots off his 92 inch radio-controlled airplane Monday May 26, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com AJ Martinez inspect a radio-controlled plane before flying Saturday April 5, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. Martinez started flying his fathers radio-controlled planes at the age of four. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com From left, Julio Madrigal, Ocatvio Padilla, Ricky Martinez and AJ Martinez inspect a radio-controlled plane before flying Saturday April 5, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. All aircraft have a preflight check list that consists of checking all controls for secure attachment, proper functioning and direction and engine function. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Ricky Martinez changes the battery on one of his planes before flying Saturday April 5, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. Martinez has several batteries that allows him to get more fly time. A battery can last eight to 15 minutes depending on wind. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Ricky Martinez rebuilds a radio-controlled plane at his garage in his home Saturday April 8, 2014 in McAllen. Martinez owns over 30 radio control planes that he has collected over the years. He has also rebuilt new planes from scratch using parts of different planes. Martinez said he got into planes because he was fascinated by aviation as a kid and enjoys sharing his hobby with his sons. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Plane parts are placed on a tray Saturday April 5, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. Members of the Rio Grande R/C Flyers carry extra parts incase one of their planes get a broken part before of after flying. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com A model pilot is located on a radio-controlled plane Saturday April 5, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. Different model pilots are placed on different planes giving it character. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Members of the Rio Grande R/C Flyers surround a radio-controlled plane after it crashed to the ground Monday May 26, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. In case of accidents, team members determine the damage and either repair the plane or remove the electronics and engine and use the parts on other airframe. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com A radio-controlled plane flies in the sky Monday May 26, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com Paul Johnson, left, helps launch a radio-controlled jet for Phil Johnson Monday May 26, 2014 at Rebel Field in Mercedes. The jet plane can reach a speed of 100 mph and 130 mph on a windy day. Photo by Gabe Hernandez/gabrielh@themonitor.com