It’s a park that’s tucked away past the gravel pits, toward the entrance of the Coquitlam watershed.

Sometimes, it’s used as a movie set; most often, it’s where bears and off-leash dogs and their guides run free.

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But the Upper Coquitlam River Park, up Pipeline Road, is also frequented by the Kamikaze pilots, a group of about 60 members with the West Coast Radio Control Aircraft Flyers (WCRCAF).

And on Sunday, several pilots will be out with their trainer, sport and aerobatic airplanes as well as helicopters, jets and gliders to show the public what they’re all about.

Past president Paul Dries, who’s been an WCRCAF member since 2000, is organizing the open house at the park, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to build awareness about the club — which has been around since the 1970s — and to gain new blood.

“We’d really like to see more fathers and sons come out,” he said, “but we’d love to see girls out, too.”

Senior pilots will teach newbies how to fly remote control vehicles — including drones — for free, a service not always provided by RC clubs, Dries said.

Beside the lessons, there will also be multiple aircraft demonstrations and FPV, or virtual reality flying demos.

Held with support from the city of Coquitlam and the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada, the open house will mostly feature electric models. “We do gas-powered machines but in the last 10 years, electrics have really come into their own.”

As well, visitors can learn about safety measures when flying and sign up to become a club member: fees are $75 for new members and $50 for juniors (under 18). Go online to wcrcaf.com.

jcleugh@tricitynews.com