BAY MINETTE, Ala. - The Baldwin County Commission gave flight last week to a radio-controlled model airplane group to lease about 5 acres of Magnolia Landfill space for teaching aeronautics to young enthusiasts and conducting contests nationwide.

Baldwin County Commissioner Frank Burt said the $1-a-year agreement at the Summerdale facility may create a destination point for the rapidly growing groups of earthbound aviators who fly an assortment of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and compete on a nationwide circuit.

Bay Area Radio Control Society spokesperson Jack Phillips told Commissioners the group will utilize the expansive, flat area for novice training and conducting weekend flight contests, drawing participants from across the nation.

"There are multitudes of people who will use this area,"

Phillips told Commissioners. "We want to use the area to educate the young, and as a site for competition."

Jim Ransom, director of the county’s solid waste department, said he will approach Commissioners for purchase of a few model planes to create interest in the hobby for landfill visitors.