District X
Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Greg Stone
Vice President
amadistrictx@modelaircraft.org
5345 Paseo Caliente
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(949) 413-0920
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Chuck Barnes, Santa Maria CA; (805) 886-7921; cbarnes10@comcast.net
Forrest Barton, Woodland CA; (530) 383-9019; cbarton328@aol.com
Stella Bennett, San Pedro CA; (310) 357-4570; bennettblueeagleusa72@gmail.com
Jim Bonnardel, San Diego CA; (858) 292-5518; nitroblast@hotmail.com
Alan Friedman, Eloy AZ; (520) 876-0232; pooralan@aol.com
Craig Haslebacher, Springville UT; (509) 518-0243; craigsrc1@aol.com
John Johnson, Folsom CA; (775) 287-3652; johnorama@gmail.com
Tim Johnson, Mission Viejo CA; (949) 444-7520; timothy@johnson.us.com
Barry Mattison, Las Vegas NV; (702) 218-3827; hm.bhrabbit@gmail.com
Jim Mohan, Phoenix AZ; (623) 434-1351; jmohan351@cox.net
JR Schiager, Folsom CA; (916) 705-7778; jrstuff88@gmail.com
Gil Terzo, Las Vegas NV; (702) 523-9897; gterzo@aol.com
Peter Vogel, Santa Clara CA; (408) 569-7067; vogel.peter@gmail.com
Roger Willis, Murrieta CA; (951) 249-9688; willisasuc@aol.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Forrest Barton (CA north of Bakersfield), Woodland CA; (530) 383-9019; cbarton328@aol.com
Southern California and Arizona,
Greg Stone, (949) 413-0920; gstone4@outlook.com
Free Flight: AMA Headquarters,
Competition Department, (765) 287-1256, ext. 252; competition@modelaircraft.org
As some clubs struggle to keep their flying sites—often because of encroaching development—it’s important to remember that, with persistence, community engagement, and long-term planning, positive outcomes are possible. A great example of this comes from the Palomar RC Flyers.
The club’s longtime field in Palomar, California, where they’ve flown since 1997, has been increasingly surrounded by housing developments and will likely have to close once construction reaches the boundary. However, thanks to years of proactive outreach and hard work, the club succeeded in securing a new flying site in Valley Center.
In September, I had the opportunity to attend its National Model Aviation Day event at the new location. The turnout from the community was impressive. Flight demonstrations ran throughout the day—mock Combat with flying wings, 3D aerobatics, helicopters, warbirds, and jets—along with a barbecue that helped create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
The event also included kids’ activities, and after lunch, the runway opened for hands-on training. Several instructors were ready with training aircraft and buddy-box radios, and there was a steady line of kids and adults who were eager to try flying.
As your club plans community events, Take off And Grow Grant programs, or other outreach activities, consider how scheduled training opportunities can help build long-term interest. These efforts don’t just create a positive impression—they help cultivate the next generation of members. For example, Palomar’s multiweek training program continues to bring in new members as participants gain proficiency and catch the excitement of model aviation.
With intention, commitment, and community connections, clubs can not only overcome challenges but can also grow stronger through them.
Enjoy everything you build and fly.
