Enjoy the thrill of flying without setting foot in an airport. Build a model airplane and test fly it at one of two Denver metro Colorado State Parks. Both Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park offer paved runways and frequency posts for radio-controlled aircraft.

When most people think of model airplanes, they immediately envision a small toy-size plane, designed to be admired but not touched. However, present-day models have an engine, center of gravity, and need a vertical rudder to keep them flying straight. Flying model airplanes is a fun and educational hobby. There are various types of models you can build, depending on your budget and how serious you are about flying.

There are also local flying clubs that model plane enthusiasts can join. The Jefco Aeromod'lers fly planes in the southeast portion of Chatfield State Park, and the Denver RC Eagles fly at Cherry Creek State Park. A valid annual or daily parks pass is required to fly model airplanes at these state parks. For more information, call Cherry Creek at (303) 690-1166 or Chatfield at (303) 791-7275.