The Event
Four days of flying — August 31-September 3, 2023
Night flying under the lights or in the dark
4th Annual Sliding Auto Contest
800′ flight line with golf course quality turf
Five 160′ wide Pilot Stations
Electric power on the flight line
50+ Premium Campsites with hookups
Acres of primitive camping spots
Air-conditioned Pilot Lounge
Huge bathhouse with hot showers
Evening meals available for purchase
Accommodations
Triple Tree Aerodrome
Triple Tree Aerodrome is located at 330 Mary Hannah Rd, Woodruff, SC 29388
Camping
Triple Tree Aerodrome is an ideal camping venue. Not only are there more than 50 premium camp sites with water and power for RVs but there are acres of primitive camping spots. And whether you choose to tent camp or camp in an RV, you’ll definitely enjoy the huge bathhouse right behind the flight line.
Many attendees who don’t own an RV rent one just for the Extravaganza. You can find campers of every size on web sites like RVShare, RVEZY, and OUTDOORSY. Many of them offer delivery and setup. And when you compare the cost of renting an RV for the event versus staying in a hotel you’ll find it a very attractive option. Forget about driving back and forth to a hotel. Enjoy all the action from sun up until late into the night by staying on site.
Hotels
If camping on site is not your thing, there are dozens of hotels less than 30 minutes from Triple Tree. Here are just a few. If you want to do your own search, Triple Tree Aerodrome is located at 330 Mary Hanna Rd, Woodruff, SC 29388.
FAQs
When can I arrive at Triple Tree for the event?
Attendees may arrive AFTER 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 to set up their flight gear and camp site. No flying until Thursday morning.
Why should I pre-register?
The first answer is you’ll save money—from 10%-33% depending on which things you signup for. The second reason is you’ll save time.
Because we’ll be using the same website-based system for onsite registration during the event, if you plan to register onsite you’ll need to make all your selections on your phone or tablet (or borrow one of ours) and then pay online (or we can take your credit card on site).
Really, we’re hoping registration onsite is a lot more like ‘Check-In.’ Just show up, tell us who you are, sign the AMA form if you’re flying, and we hand you your badge, meal tickets, parking pass, etc. If you pre-register, we’ll have all that stuff ready and waiting for you. Pretty slick.
When is onsite Registration open?
Registration opens at 4:00 PM Wednesday the 30th. On Thursday and Friday Registration is open from 10:00 am-noon and from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm. Saturday Registration is open from 10:00 am to noon.
Can I reserve a specific camp site?
Yes! Starting this year when you click on Premium Camping Nights in the Registration section of this site you’ll be taken to a page where you can see a map of the Premium Camping sites and a drop down list that lets you choose the site you want. It’s first come, first served so register early for the most choices.
I plan to arrive late at night. Where can I park my RV?
Generally speaking, campsites are first come, first served. If you’re arriving late at night you can set up your RV in any spot NOT MARKED RESERVED. And, if you have special needs that we can accommodate, please email us at registration@heliex.org after you pre-register. We’ll do all we can to help you.
I'm renting an RV and having it dropped off before I arrive. How do I know where to have it parked?
Generally speaking, campsites are first come, first served. But if you’re having an RV dropped off before you arrive, email registration@heliex.org after you complete the registration process and we’ll assign a spot for you and give you the campsite number that you can share with the person delivering your RV.
Why is there a charge for dry camping?
The amenities at Triple Tree are unlike any other fun fly. It costs a lot to keep them that way. Awesome grounds, airconditioned pilot lounge, huge bathhouse. The camping fees help to pay for it all. BTW, you can save 33% on dry camping fees by pre-registering.
How many people can share a campsite for just one camping fee?
As many as you want. One tent = one campsite; one RV= one campsite.
Can I set up my campsite anywhere on the Triple Tree grounds?
Pretty much, though there are a few restrictions. No camping west of the Gazebo near the pump station by the pond. No RVs behind the pop-up tents on the flight line. (You can sleep in your cargo trailer behind the pop-ups if that’s your plan.)
Are golf cart rentals available?
Sorry, no. But everything is pretty close together and we’ll have a 6 passenger golf cart to get pilots back and forth from the Sliding Auto contest field.
Can vendors who attend the Extravaganza sell products and are there vendor fees?
Absolutely. Once again this year there are no ‘vendor fees.’ Vendors must pay pilot fees for their people that are flying; spectator fees for their people who aren’t flying.
How good is cell/Internet access at Triple Tree?
It can be sketchy. AT&T is pretty good all over the event site. Other carriers, less so. Very few complaints last year so it seems to be getting better. Worst case, some people drove up the hill for better service.
Will there be electric power on the flight line for charging?
Absolutely. We’ll have multiple power boxes down the flight line. In some cases you’ll need to share with a neighbor but it worked well last year. Also, along the bathhouse and pilot lounge there are more outlets. Several guys took advantage of the power and the shade under the overhang there.
Can we pit in the Gazebo as we have in past years?
Only during the night flying. Starting three years ago we stopped allowing pitting at the gazebo so we could better use it for food service and gatherings. Bring your popup or set up a table along the bathhouse where there’s power and shade.
Where can I fly at Triple Tree if I don't want to fly on the main flight line?
Pretty much anywhere as long as the spot you choose doesn’t interfere with established flight lines and flight boxes. That’s one of the great things about Triple Tree—if you don’t want to fly the main line there’s a ton of space you can make your own. Just be safe.
Can I bring my RC airplane to fly at The Heli Extravaganza?
Heli Extravaganza is a heli event. So the main flight line is definitely helis only. Having said that, quite a few guys bring foamy float planes to fly off the pond in the morning and evening when the wind is quiet. But no one will mind if you’re flying a little foamy well away from the main action. Be considerate and you’ll be fine. And at night, well, you might see some night-fly wings screaming around. It has happened.
Can I fly my full-scale airplane to the event and land at Triple Tree?
Sorry, no. The Triple Tree runway will be closed to full-scale traffic during the event.
Is there anything for kids to do at Triple Tree?
Yes! There are tons of places to hike and explore. There’s a pond that’s perfect for RC boats. And there’s a river (be careful!) that people can fish in. There’s also acres of space to run RC cars and trucks.
Will there be an annoying MC with a British accent who never shuts up?
Nope. Never gonna happen. You’re welcome.
Did Cliff ever find his table and chair?
Yes, and this year his friends have new ideas to show him how much they love him.
Will there be a sliding autorotation contest again this year?
Absolutely. It’s a ton of work for Ray at Random RC but it is very entertaining. You can sign up for the event on site but if you sign up before August 6, 2022 you can get a cool free t-shirt! Sign up here.
Is ice available on site?
Sorry, no. Best bet is to organize a run to town (20 minutes away) and do a group buy.