Remote controlled planes were performing loop-the-loops for a good cause Saturday at the Cajun R/C Flying Club’s field on Trahan Road.

The group held the local event to benefit the Lydia Cancer Association.

Gary Manual of New Iberia, club president, said the fly-in benefit saw more than 30 pilots visit the field with their unique remote controlled aircraft and more than 200 spectators.

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“It was really fantastic,” Manual said. “We had good weather and a good turnout and pilots coming quite a ways to participate.”

Ryan Gonsoulin, club member and world champion R/C pilot, said the local R/C club flies almost every weekend and the spectators who come out for the events help club members maintain their flying field.

“Our club benefits so much from people coming out to our events to see our shows. We thought it would be right to give back to a local organization,” Gonsoulin said.

The club chose Lydia Cancer Association through a selection process weeding through many local groups.

Another club member, Kenny Price of New Iberia, said there is talk among group members to hold the event again next year benefiting another worthy Teche Area organization.

Debra Savoie, former president of the Lydia Cancer Association, attended Saturday’s benefit and said it was “awesome.”

It was her first visit to a remote controlled airplane show and she said she enjoyed the experience.

“I just love to watch men still being little boys and playing with their toys,” she said.

“It was very touching and humbling when the gentleman from the club approached the association wanting to hold the event with proceeds benefiting our efforts.”

Representatives from the R/C club said the total amount of money raised from the benefit fly-in would not be available for a few more days.

Savoie said the Lydia Cancer Association is always grateful of the community support they receive without which, she said, they would not be able to help as many people as they do.

Gonsoulin said anyone wanting more information about the Cajun R/C Flying Club can visit their Web site at www.cajunrcclub.com.

“The general public is always welcome to come out and watch us,” he said. “And, it’s always free.”