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Drone Rules for Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds

Orcutt, California (ca) • United States
Santa Maria, CA 93455, USA
Lat: 34.8851 • Lng: -120.408

Rules Edit History: Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds

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May 27, 2026 4:24 AM Approved • Added rules and full description
Author: dc63e3ca-b814-425b-9d61-7f219fc6338f (62)
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Summary — The Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds RC site is only open for flying during special, permitted events like organized fly-ins. AMA rules are required for pilots, and spectators are welcome during events such as the Giant Scale Fly-In July 22–26.
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Welcome to the RC flying events held at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds in Santa Maria, California. Unlike a normal public flying field, this site is only opened for RC aircraft operations during approved special events and organized fly-ins. General public flying is not allowed, and pilots may only fly with special permission during scheduled event dates coordinated with organizers and the Elks Event Center. One of the major upcoming events is the Giant Scale Fly-In scheduled for July 22–26, which attracts pilots and spectators from across California for several days of large-scale RC aircraft flying.  

Because the site operates as a temporary event venue rather than a daily club field, strict safety and operational rules are enforced at all times. Pilots are expected to follow AMA safety guidelines, use designated flight lines and pit areas, announce takeoffs and landings, and obey all event staff instructions. Current AMA membership is typically required for participating pilots due to insurance and liability requirements, and only approved aircraft may fly during event operations. Unsafe flying or failure to follow event procedures may result in immediate removal from the flight line.

Spectators are welcome during organized events and fly-ins, giving visitors the opportunity to see giant scale aircraft, warbirds, aerobatic planes, EDF jets, and other RC aircraft up close. Events often create a family-friendly atmosphere where guests can meet pilots, view aircraft displays, and enjoy watching large-scale model aviation demonstrations throughout the day. The venue has become a recognized location for special RC gatherings on California’s Central Coast.  

The flying area is hosted through the Santa Maria Elks Events Center and associated Elks property in Santa Maria, which regularly hosts large community events throughout the year in addition to RC aviation activities. Event access, schedules, and pilot participation are determined by organizers for each individual fly-in, so anyone interested in flying should contact event coordinators ahead of time rather than arriving expecting open public flight access.
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+ Welcome to the RC flying events held at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo Grounds in Santa Maria, California. Unlike a normal public flying field, this site is only opened for RC aircraft operations during approved special events and organized fly-ins. General public flying is not allowed, and pilots may only fly with special permission during scheduled event dates coordinated with organizers and the Elks Event Center. One of the major upcoming events is the Giant Scale Fly-In scheduled for July 22–26, which attracts pilots and spectators from across California for several days of large-scale RC aircraft flying.  
+ 
+ Because the site operates as a temporary event venue rather than a daily club field, strict safety and operational rules are enforced at all times. Pilots are expected to follow AMA safety guidelines, use designated flight lines and pit areas, announce takeoffs and landings, and obey all event staff instructions. Current AMA membership is typically required for participating pilots due to insurance and liability requirements, and only approved aircraft may fly during event operations. Unsafe flying or failure to follow event procedures may result in immediate removal from the flight line.
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+ Spectators are welcome during organized events and fly-ins, giving visitors the opportunity to see giant scale aircraft, warbirds, aerobatic planes, EDF jets, and other RC aircraft up close. Events often create a family-friendly atmosphere where guests can meet pilots, view aircraft displays, and enjoy watching large-scale model aviation demonstrations throughout the day. The venue has become a recognized location for special RC gatherings on California’s Central Coast.  
+ 
+ The flying area is hosted through the Santa Maria Elks Events Center and associated Elks property in Santa Maria, which regularly hosts large community events throughout the year in addition to RC aviation activities. Event access, schedules, and pilot participation are determined by organizers for each individual fly-in, so anyone interested in flying should contact event coordinators ahead of time rather than arriving expecting open public flight access.