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May 2026 - District XI

Hi all!I can’t believe it’s that time again. I’m still out at large; however, I did attend a couple more events in District X to learn about how others put them on.

First, I attended the 22nd Annual Arizona Electric Festival at the Arizona Model Aviators’ Superstition Airpark in Mesa, Arizona. There were all kinds of electric airplanes present and approximately 55 pilots. It was a really great event.

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Model airplanes displayed on asphalt, various sizes and colors, including a U.S. Air Force plane.
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Toy airplanes on an airstrip under a shaded area, with people in the background.

Next was Desert Jet Storm at the Speedworld R/C Flyers’ field in Wittmann, Arizona. There were more than 75 pilots doing a lot of great jet flying. Interestingly, Randy Smith, a District XI member, did a great job as contest director, with some help from Terry Buckley.

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Model airplanes displayed under a blue AMA District XI tent.
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Model airplanes lined up on an airfield, with an American flag flying overhead.

Between those two events, I stayed at a resort in Sun City, Arizona. Rolph Grunden, a member of the Arizona Model Pilots Society, was also there and offered to take me to the club’s field, which is close by. It’s yet another great place to fly.

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Six people standing around a model airplane on a table outdoors.
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Outdoor pavilion with people sitting, model airplanes on ground, mountains in background.

By the time you read this, I’ll be back home and attending several events in our district this spring. I thought retirement meant not being busy, but I know now that is not true.

Keep building and flying!