Chapter 1300

August 2026

EAA Chapter 1300

August 2026 Meeting Minutes

Date: August 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cactus Aviation classroom, Henderson Executive Airport
Presiding: Chapter Vice President

Call to Order and Welcome

The vice president called the meeting to order in the president’s absence. Members and guests were welcomed and invited to introduce themselves and describe their aviation interests.

Michael “Mike” Smith was recognized as one of the founding members of Chapter 1300 and thanked for his contributions to the chapter.

Henderson Tower Discussion

Members discussed concerns regarding safety, efficiency, staffing, communication, and professionalism at the Henderson Executive Airport control tower.

Ryan McCabe reported on discussions with Robinson Aviation, the tower contractor. Robinson Aviation acknowledged the strained relationship between the tower and the local pilot community and indicated that documented reports are important for identifying patterns and supporting corrective action.

The following points were discussed:

  • Pilots should clearly and specifically request the operation they want, including intersection departures or other available procedures.

  • Members should document concerning events with the date, time, frequency, aircraft identification, and a factual description of what occurred.

  • Safety-related events should be submitted through the appropriate FAA and NASA reporting channels.

  • Members were advised that a pilot may request over the radio that a qualifying incident be filed as a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR). Making the request on frequency creates a recorded request, requires the occurrence to be documented, and triggers an FAA review.

  • Members discussed tower staffing, frequency management, extended sequencing, intersection departures, ground-control procedures, and coordination with Las Vegas airspace.

  • The chapter is exploring a local system for recording and transcribing ATC communications so pilots can accurately review incidents and preserve relevant details.

The goal of these efforts is to improve safety, professionalism, communication, efficiency, and accountability.

Guest Presentation: Military Unmanned Aircraft

Luke Leveillee presented an overview of military unmanned aircraft systems based on his Air Force experience. Luke previously flew military aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft and is currently a United Airlines captain.

His presentation covered:

  • The distinction between small drones and military remotely piloted aircraft.

  • His experience with the RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper, C-5, T-37, and T-38.

  • The respective duties of pilots and sensor operators.

  • Ground-control stations, operations centers, data links, and satellite communications.

  • The use of local crews for takeoffs and landings because of satellite-command latency.

  • Aircraft endurance and staffing for missions lasting more than 20 hours.

  • Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

  • Sensors, communications, airspace coordination, operating altitudes, and mission planning.

  • Differences in automation among various unmanned aircraft.

  • Aircraft limitations, mechanical failures, and Luke’s experience with the loss of a Predator following a mechanical malfunction.

A question-and-answer session followed.

Young Eagles

The chapter discussed upcoming Young Eagles activities:

  • A Young Eagles rally is planned for Pahrump in early October.

  • The chapter expects to support the Overton Aviation Appreciation Day and Young Eagles rally later in October.

  • Volunteer pilots and ground-support personnel will be needed.

  • The Overton organizers intend to manage more of the rally this year, but Chapter 1300 will remain available to provide pilots, volunteers, and operational assistance.

  • A parent or legal guardian must complete the required waiver for each participating child.

  • Young Eagles participants receive a logbook containing a code for access to EAA’s online Learn to Fly course.

  • Eligible participants may qualify for a complimentary introductory flight lesson and reimbursement of the FAA knowledge-test fee after completing the program requirements.

Members interested in volunteering were asked to contact the Young Eagles coordinators.

Chapter Workshops and Aircraft Project

The chapter is developing a series of hands-on aircraft-building workshops. Proposed subjects include:

  • Riveting

  • Fiberglass and composite work

  • Other practical aircraft-construction skills

The workshops may be offered throughout the coming year as instructors, projects, and schedules are finalized.

The chapter’s aircraft-building project is also progressing. The airframe is substantially complete, with avionics installation and preparation for flight remaining. Additional work sessions are expected to begin in September.

Airport Tower Tour

The chapter is working to arrange tours of the Harry Reid International Airport air traffic control facilities.

  • Each tour will be limited to approximately five participants.

  • Tours may become available on short notice.

  • Participants may have the opportunity to visit both the tower cab and the approach/departure control facilities.

  • Adults accompanying minors must meet EAA Youth Protection requirements.

An interest sheet was circulated.

Creech/Indian Springs Visit

A possible group visit to Creech Air Force Base/Indian Springs was discussed.

  • The facility may accommodate approximately 50 participants.

  • The visit may include a briefing and access to aviation-related activities and simulators.

  • Because the visit must occur on a weekday, Christmas break or spring break is being considered.

  • Transportation may be coordinated with local Civil Air Patrol organizations and chapter volunteers.

  • Adults may be required to complete EAA Youth Protection training and provide identification information for a background check.

An interest sheet was circulated.

Light-Sport Repairman Inspection Course

The chapter is evaluating whether to bring a two-day Light-Sport Repairman Inspection course to Las Vegas, potentially through Rainbow Aviation.

  • The course consists of approximately 16 hours of instruction.

  • A minimum of approximately 16 participants may be required.

  • Estimated tuition is approximately $500–$525, possibly with an additional travel charge.

  • Successful completion allows an eligible experimental light-sport aircraft owner to perform and approve the annual condition inspection on an aircraft they own.

A nonbinding interest sheet was circulated.

Aircraft for Sale

Members were advised that Chet Kruleski had listed a Zenith Zodiac 601 XLB for sale through the chapter’s membership site. The announcement was informational and did not constitute an endorsement by the chapter.

50/50 Drawing

The 50/50 drawing collected $80. Darlene Trost won the $40 prize and donated her winnings back to the chapter.

Business Meeting

Approval of Previous Minutes

The minutes from the previous business meeting were available on the chapter website.

A motion was made to approve the minutes as posted. The motion passed without opposition.

Treasurer’s Report

The treasurer presented a combined report covering the previous three months.

  • Beginning balance: approximately $6,196.06

  • Ending balance: approximately $6,965

  • Income included 50/50 drawings, merchandise sales, simulator use, and donations.

  • Donations helped offset approximately half of the chapter barbecue expenses.

  • Young Eagles expenses are eligible for reimbursement through EAA based on the number of participants flown.

  • Simulator income is helping offset related database and operating expenses.

A motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report as presented. The motion passed without opposition.

Old Business

  • Work continues on a previously approved administrative or financial change.

  • The chapter aircraft project has reached the completed-airframe stage.

  • Avionics installation and preparation for flight remain.

  • Additional building sessions are expected to be scheduled beginning in September.

New Business

  • Members were asked to begin considering a location and volunteers for the chapter’s December Christmas party.

  • Planning will continue for the building workshops, tower tours, Creech/Indian Springs visit, and fall Young Eagles rallies.

Adjournment

A motion was made to adjourn. The motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular meeting will be held on September 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Cactus Aviation classroom at Henderson Executive Airport.

Attendance

Members

  • Michael “Mike” Smith

  • Sebastian “Seb” Trost

  • Darlene Trost

  • Ivan Hoyt

  • Josh Sinclair

  • Branden Yarbrough

  • Alan “Al” Zwick

  • Luke Leveillee

  • Morrie Mansell

  • Andrei Taduran

  • Cat Taduran

  • Nicholas Day

  • David Wyatt

  • Ryan McCabe

  • Raymond Colon

  • Kathleen Boyd Jones

  • Robert Jones

  • James Patrick

Guests and Other Attendees

  • Minkyoung “Ryan” Kim

  • Hans Naack

  • Colin Dempsey

  • Justin Larson

  • Brandon Murray

  • Steve Swift

  • Irene Swift

  • Michelle Rudolph

  • Ruben Gurrola

Total recorded attendance: 27


To provide a better user experience, EAA uses cookies. To review EAA's data privacy policy or adjust your privacy settings please visit: Data and Privacy Policy.
)

Loading...