Willie McCool Regional Park
Willie McCool Regional Park
Willie was a graduate of Coronado HS in Las Vegas.The Willie McCool Flying Field is a model airfield for radio-controlled aircraft located within the park. It is accessed with an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) membership and the $20 annual flying field pass which can be purchased from the North Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Department after obtaining an AMA membership.
The original park was established in 1991. In 2004, it was named after US Navy Commander William Cameron "Willie" McCool, the pilot of Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-107, in which he and the six other crew members were killed. Willie was a graduate of Coronado HS in Las Vegas.
The original park was established in 1991. In 2004, it was named after US Navy Commander William Cameron "Willie" McCool, the pilot of Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-107, in which he and the six other crew members were killed. Willie was a graduate of Coronado HS in Las Vegas.
Field Rules & Guidelines
This information is being provided as a courtesy by the Propnuts of Las Vegas RC Club, for the purpose of reinforcing local practices used by flyers using the McCool flying site. In addition to the posted Rules and Regulations established by the North Las Vegas Parks & Recreation Department, the following considerations, when consistently practiced, have been shown to minimize the risks to people and property, while enhancing the enjoyment by all those using the facility.
If you are a new pilot or for any reason are unsure of what or how to do something related to field use or flying your aircraft, please seek out someone for assistance. We are always here to help.
Flying at Willie McCool Regional Park
1. Be sure to understand and comply with the Park Rules and Regulations posted by the City of North Las Vegas.
2. When starting gas, glow (nitro) or turbine engines, use one of the hold-downs provided in designated areas or a helper to physically restrain the aircraft in the event of unexpected power surges during run-up.
3. Do not taxi under power while in the pit area (gas, glow, or electric). Carry or walk your aircraft to and from the Hold Line at each end of the pit area or the fence opening to the runway.
4. Pilots are required to fly from one of the 5 pilot boxes near the fence.
6. Observe the take-off/landing direction as dictated by the wind. While flying, reflect this direction in your flight path. For example, if the take-off/landing direction is left-to-right, your flight path circuit should be a left-hand pattern, making all left-hand turns.
7. Boundaries of our flying area are posted on the board and marked by stakes. Every effort must be made to fly within the established boundaries. Do not fly behind the pit area. Always keep your aircraft in front of you.
Note: This document is not intended to replace the posted Park Rules and Regulations. Rather, it is meant to augment them as AMA and FAA requirements and practices evolve.
If you are a new pilot or for any reason are unsure of what or how to do something related to field use or flying your aircraft, please seek out someone for assistance. We are always here to help.
Flying at Willie McCool Regional Park
1. Be sure to understand and comply with the Park Rules and Regulations posted by the City of North Las Vegas.
2. When starting gas, glow (nitro) or turbine engines, use one of the hold-downs provided in designated areas or a helper to physically restrain the aircraft in the event of unexpected power surges during run-up.
3. Do not taxi under power while in the pit area (gas, glow, or electric). Carry or walk your aircraft to and from the Hold Line at each end of the pit area or the fence opening to the runway.
4. Pilots are required to fly from one of the 5 pilot boxes near the fence.
- Pilots wishing to engage in formation flying using 2 or more aircraft may utilize the same pilot box in order to maintain constant communication.
- The use of spotters is encouraged but not mandatory, EXCEPT a spotter IS required for pilots utilizing FPV goggles in order to maintain visual line of-sight with their aircraft/drone.
6. Observe the take-off/landing direction as dictated by the wind. While flying, reflect this direction in your flight path. For example, if the take-off/landing direction is left-to-right, your flight path circuit should be a left-hand pattern, making all left-hand turns.
7. Boundaries of our flying area are posted on the board and marked by stakes. Every effort must be made to fly within the established boundaries. Do not fly behind the pit area. Always keep your aircraft in front of you.
- Please respect the wishes of someone who declares they are having a “Maiden Flight” of a new, repaired, or modified aircraft. Give them plenty of airspace.
Note: This document is not intended to replace the posted Park Rules and Regulations. Rather, it is meant to augment them as AMA and FAA requirements and practices evolve.