Nellis AFB

Aviation Nation

Airshow 2016

A Thunderbird passes overhead...loudly.

(photo by Robert Slauson, used by permission)

The Las Vegas Soaring Club attended and displayed over 45 different aircraft at the show. Coordinated by club Secretary Barry Mattison (2017 President elect, AMA Leader Member and Flight Instructor) the event was deemed a huge success by those who volunteered and by club members who worked the display.

Friday was military day for families and friends and was well attended. Saturday and Sunday broke records with over 300,00 people attending the free event.

Along with the Las Vegas Drone and FPV Club the LVSC was the only local club represented at the event. Literally thousands stopped to check out the various aircraft, ask questions and watch as several members taxied aircraft around the tarmac. We handed out over 1000 foam airplanes to the kids, some of whom played for hours with them around the display area.

We hope to be able to do some flight demo's at next year's show and look forward to celebrating our military members, their families and their contribution to each of us.

THANKS NELLIS AFB!

Right down the runway!

(photo by Barry Mattison, used by permission)

The LVSC crew ready to take on the crowds. Left to right Barry, Chris, Bill R., Leonard and Mac (picture missing Doug Bush.)

(photo by Thomas Knapp, used by permission)

...and here they come...over 300,000 of them

(photo by Tom Knapp, used by permission)

Current President Bill R. gets the kids interested in the display.

(photo by Barry Mattison, used by permission)

By KEITH ROGERS

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

The air show gods couldn’t have provided a better day for veterans and military families to preview the Aviation Nation exhibition at Nellis Air Force Base on Friday.

It was a warm, 75 degrees. Winds were light, perfect for flying and parachuting and aerial acrobatics.

And, hey, it was Veterans Day.

The shows for the general public on Saturday and Sunday promise more of the same, according to the National Weather Service.

Leonard answers questions about the display

The AMA Windsock flies above the display

Tom and Chris deep in a discussion

The "Home of the Fighter Pilot," Nellis Air Force Base is home to the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, the largest and most demanding advanced air combat training mission in the world. At Nellis, we provide training for composite strike forces which include every type of aircraft in the Air Force inventory.

Training is conducted in conjunction with air and ground units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and air forces from our allied nations. The crews do not come to learn how to fly, but instead how to be the best combat aviators in the world.

November 11-13, 2016

LVSC Members participated in the Nellis AFB Aviation Nation celebration November 11-13th. Latest tallies indicate over 300,00 people attended the free event. LVSC members who

assisted with the event brought along an assortment of aircraft. On the flight line tarmac the club presented over 45 different kinds and types of aircraft, from warbirds to "drones". Club members and volunteers Mac, Doug, Barry, Leonard, BIll R., Chris and others were on their feet all three days answering questions about the aircraft, where the club was located, how to get involved in RC and so much more. The exposure gained through this event was incredible and the club is already receiving requests from parents and kids on how to join the club and the Bob Pickens Junior Pilot Program. AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) information was given out along with information as to how to join, what they offer to the RC hobbyist and much more. LVSC promotes and uses AMA information and materials in the furtherance of educating and bringing new members into the hobby in a safe, controlled manner.

We want to give a special shout out to our contact at the base, TSgt Gary Miller. His team made this huge event smooth, enjoyable and something to look forward to next airshow. Thanks!

(that's his son kneeling by the Otter below...dressed and ready for service)

TSgt Gary Miller

88th Test & Evaluation SQ

Flight Safety NCO

NCOIC Training

Special Mission Aviator

Nellis AFB, NV

The event and our display also enjoined the Las Vegas Drone and FPV Club who put on a dazzling display of multi rotors and equipment. One of the highlights of the three day event, the group entertained thousands of requests for information and received hundreds of new contacts from people interested in learning more about where to purchase "drones", how to fly them and much more. Great job guys!.