John Mobley started flying remote control model planes because of one of his sons.

“Like everything, we had three boys. One was interested in aviation,” he said. “He wanted to get into the hobby of flying remote control airplanes. We bought the kit. It was like a father-son bonding thing.”

While his son was a natural because of all the video games he played, Mobley was not at first.

“I thought I might as well learn to fly myself. It took me a year and a half to feel comfortable,” he said. “I’ve been flying going on 15 years now.”

Mobley is committee chairman for the Southern Kentucky Model Aero Club’s upcoming Warbird Alley, which will feature flying military aircraft from all generations.

“As long as it was something that was flown through the wars, it’s good,” he said.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday at Stahl Field at 185 N. Graham St. Admission is free. Lawn chairs are encouraged and concessions will be available. Pilot fee is $20. There will be a raffle featuring airplanes and other equipment as prizes. Proceeds go toward maintenance and upkeep of the field.

“This is one of our smaller events. I’m expecting 20 to 25 pilots and 30 to 40 spectators,” SKYMAC Vice President Charlie Conley said. “The big day is Saturday.”

Mobley agreed.

“Last year we had 24 and the weather was terrible. I anticipate 20 to 25 pilots this year, especially since the weather’s going to be nice,” he said.

The Warbirds are remote control airplanes that were built to look like real warbirds that flew military craft from World War I to the present, Mobley said.

“We even have guys from the club who have replicas of military jets,” he said. “They’ve been designed and built and flown through different conflicts.”

The planes are of all different sizes and makes, Mobley said.

“They’re primarily made to be replicas of planes in those eras,” he said.

Planes can be received in different ways, Mobley said.

“Some people build their own through kits,” he said. “Some planes you can purchase through manufacturers already fabricated.”

People should support SKYMAC, Conley said.

“We’re a nonprofit organization and a lot of people like to watch the planes fly. We donate money to different causes from time to time,” he said. “Wounded Warriors was one.”

Plus, it’s just fun, Conley said.

“We teach new people to fly. We get a lot of people who bring their kids to watch,” he said. “It’s something to do to get you outside and away from the games.”

— For more information about the Southern Kentucky Model Aero Club, visit skymacrc.com.

— Follow features reporter Alyssa Harvey on Twitter @bgdnfeatures or visit bgdailynews.com.