April 2026 - District X | Model Aviation

Person holding a model helicopter outside, wearing a jacket and green cap. — District X member Iain Michael Taylor, with a Bell 206 helicopter, was joined by his lizard Dragonite, a familiar and friendly presence at Bennett Field.

One of the most rewarding parts of serving as District X vice president is the opportunity to visit clubs in person and spend time at their flying fields. There is no substitute for being on-site, meeting members face to face, and seeing firsthand the dedication that keeps our hobby strong.

Man holding Frontier model airplane outdoors. — Iain Michael Taylor is shown with his E-flite Airbus A320, which showcased the variety of aircraft flown at Bennett Field.

Covered parking area with people, wooden cable spools, and a sunny sky. — Pilots prepare aircraft along the flightline at Bennett Field, highlighting the active and welcoming atmosphere of the Las Vegas-area clubs.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Bennett Field in Las Vegas and spending time with local pilots and club leadership. What stood out immediately during this visit was the strong sense of cooperation and shared passion among the Las Vegas-area clubs. Members and officers from the Las Vegas Soaring Club, the Propnuts of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Radio Control Club (LVRC Flyers), and the Las Vegas Circle Burners came together not for a formal meeting but simply to fly, talk shop, and share ideas about club operations and the future of model aviation in Southern Nevada and throughout District X.

Being at the field allows for open and productive conversations about what is working well, where clubs might need support, and how we can continue to grow participation at all levels—from experienced pilots to those just getting started. These visits reinforce an important message: district leadership is accessible, engaged, and committed to supporting our clubs.

Man controlling a remote-controlled green plane on a runway. Another person sitting nearby. — A member taxis out a North American OV-10 Bronco in preparation for flight during the District X visit.

Man holding pink and white model helicopter outdoors. — AMA District X AVP Barry Mattison with his highly detailed RC Bell 206 JetRanger, which is a Scale replica of the full-scale Circus Circus helicopter.

Man walking by model planes on tables near a fenced runway with mountains in the background. — A view of Bennett Field in Las Vegas. The site provides a well-maintained flying field and scenic backdrop.

This visit was a part of a broader effort to tour District X clubs and strengthen connections across our region. I am also actively working to fill open associate vice president (AVP) positions in areas that currently do not have local representation. Having strong AVP support throughout the district ensures better communication, quicker assistance, and a stronger overall district structure. If you have an interest in serving as an AVP or would like to learn more about what the role involves, I encourage you to reach out to me. I am always happy to have a conversation and answer questions about how members can get more involved at the district level.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to spend part of their day at Bennett Field and for the warm welcome extended during my visit. The enthusiasm, hospitality, and professionalism shown by the Las Vegas-area clubs made the visit both productive and enjoyable.

As we move into the spring flying season, I look forward to visiting more clubs, listening to your ideas and concerns, and continuing to support the people and programs that make District X such a great place to fly.

Safe flying and safe landings.

District X