Blog - Model Aeronautical Association of Australia

Peter Barclay's Memoirs of an Aeromodeller

PB1

In 1948, my classmate, Colin Borthwick and I had heard about this new Control Line flying at Balmoral oval, right opposite the beach and naval depot. Colin later became a leading light in the Queensland “Vintagencia”, flying R/C assist old time free flighters, before sadly dying of kidney failure in about 1996.

December President's message

December President’s message

Please remember, this is not the live version that was emailed to members and as such the links below are not active. Members can find the original email in their nominated inbox on December 7.

If you are an MAAA member and do not receive these emails, please email the Federal Secretary and let her know on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hello all
Firstly, remember to right click at the very top of this email and select 'download images'. It will allow you to view the photos/posters included.

As we draw to a close for another year - and look forward to spending time with family and friends - I hope that you also find time to do some flying. Busy lives mean that flying can often take a back seat so a few days off - or weeks if you are lucky - means we all might be able to sneak down to the airstrip a little more often.

75^th celebrations
There have been some great events held as part of the MAAAs 75^th anniversary celebration.
Below are links with articles and photos looking at some of the functions held.
SSME All Things modelling: 75th MAAA Anniversary Special (heyzine.com)
Concorde Model Flying club: https://www.facebook.com/ConcordeMFC
South Burnett Model Club: Model Club Celebrates Anniversary - southburnett.com.au
East Coast Radio Controlled Flyers & Phoenix Flyers: Phoenix Flyers of Launceston Inc.
I am sure there are more events so please send in details for inclusion in the next communication. We are aware that some clubs have postponed events due to weather and we are keen to see photos and stories of your celebrations.

F3A World Championship at Casino
The dates for the FAI F3A World Championship at Casino Airport will now be run from August 2023. The MAAA has agreed to be a major funding partner of the event.
This event will bring the best F3A Aerobatic pilots in the world to Australia, so if you have ever wondered how good some of these pilots or how well our local top gun pilots can fly come along to the event and experience it first hand. There will be lots more stories and information as we roll into 2023.

German Glider pilot Philip Kolb (pictured left) will be heading to Australia in March next year. Read more about his visit and where you can catch him below.

What is GPS racing?

The MAAA and LSF Australia have arranged for Philip Kolb from Germany to visit Australia in March 2023.
Philip has enormous experience in the construction and design of radio-controlled gliders from 2 meter balsa models to large scale GPS racing gliders. Philip is also a highly successful competition pilot, having been part of winning teams at World and European Championships, and an individual champion at European and World Championships.
Philip will attend Southern Soaring League’s 50^th Anniversary event in Milang, South Australia from March 11 to 19. There will be a 3-day F5J event that includes the Team Selection Trial for the 2023 World Championships, and a week-long scale glider and GPS Triangle rally. Philip will give talks on F5J and GPS and also run a training camp for GPS pilots.
Click the link to download an entry form for the Southern Soaring League event. Open F5J International – Southern Soaring League, or contact them via email for details on the training camp: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Philip will then travel to Brisbane from March 22 to 27 where he will be hosted by the Moreton Region Sports Soaring Association. Philip will give a talk and host flying sessions during his visit. For more information contact club president Brian Ford via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Free Flight seeks Contest Director
The AFFS is seeking expressions of interest for suitable candidates to work in the role of Contest Director at the 2023 AFFS championships to be held at Narrandera in April 2023.
The suitable candidate should:
Be across all aspects FAI free flight competitions.
Be across all the current FAI rules.
Be very familiar with the current generation of FF models, allowing accurate processing if needed.
In exchange for your time the AFFS is willing to subsidise travel and accommodation. Please register your expression of interest for consideration with the AFFS Secretary, Shannon Tolmie, by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mike Hage re-build
The Polikarpov Po-2 (originally known as the U-2), had an initial role as a flight instruction aircraft which served as an all-weather multirole Soviet biplane, nicknamed Kukuruznik (Corn-cutter) due to its early agricultural uses. The reliable, uncomplicated design of the Po-2 made it an ideal trainer aircraft, as well as doubling as a low-cost ground attack, aerial reconnaissance, psychological warfare and liaison aircraft during the war - proving to be one of the most versatile light combat types to be built in the Soviet Union.
Mike Hage has re-built a Polikarpov PO2.

Click the link to read Mike's story

Aeromodelling history for sale
We received an email last week alerting us that the first petrol powered model aircraft engine in Australia had been listed on Ebay. The 10cc Brown Junior model aircraft engine is a piece of Australian aeromodelling history as it is the first petrol powered model aircraft engine in Australia.

It's 88 years old - having been manufactured in 1935 - and still has great compression and the ignition points are in good condition.

Brown Junior model engines were the first successful petrol powered engines to be used in model aircraft worldwide.
You can view the listing at the below link, but be aware bidding ends this Thursday:

Click here to view the Brown Junior Model engine on Ebay

MAAA Club Assistance Scheme

Application forms for the 2023 Club Assistance scheme will also be sent out in January, with a March end closing date to give clubs plenty of time to get details in.
I would encourage you all start your applications early and remember they must have the endorsement of your State Association.
The criteria will be on the website in January.
This is an opportunity for the MAAA to support the clubs that are working hard to grow and promote aeromodelling.

The best point of contact for the MAAA is through the Federal Secretary.
Got a story to share? Send an email. Got an event coming up? Send an email.

Lastly, I’d just like to take this opportunity to say thank you for a great year.
Being the president of the MAAA certainly has its challenges.
We have a started to make some changes on some outdated documents and processes - these changes are important for ensuring we can all continue to fly the models we want in as many locations as possible.

With 2023 upon us it is a time to reflect on the importance of family and the support they all give so that we can enjoy this amazing activity. The friendships and friendly rivalry that competition brings, or just being able to sit at the flying field and watch the wonder of flight in all its forms. We are very lucky indeed.

On behalf of the Executive and the MAAA Council we wish you all a safe Christmas and hope to see you getting to more flying events in 2023.

Tim Nolan,
MAAA President

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October President's Message

October President’s message.

Please remember, this is not the live version that was emailed to members and as such the links below are not active. Members can find the original email in their nominated inbox on October 13.

Hello all and welcome to another email

I for one am glad to see daylight savings kick in (except for those of you that don’t get this bonus!) The warmer weather and longer days mean we might get more time to fly.

I’d also like to thank the team at the Shepparton Mammoth Scale Fly in for welcoming me when I travelled down to visit last month. The weather did not deter the crowds or the pilots and there were some fantastic displays put on over the weekend, including by recently returned international champs David and Melissa Law.

75^th celebrations
Congratulations to all those clubs who have already run a 75^th celebration event. There has been some great projects undertaken, from pilots dinners to gliders staying aloft for 75 minutes. Stickers to celebrate the 75^th have been ordered and are expected to arrive next few weeks – these will be dispatched asap. Pins have also been ordered and will be sent out next month, as they take a little longer to manufacture.
We have set the cut off date for events for the end of the year, so you still have time to plan something to encourage new members while celebrating the old. Email Rhyll for a copy of the form if you don’t already have it.

Click here to read all about the Kingaroy Aeromodellers 75th celebration

Keith Quigg appointed as MAAA Member Services Officer

Under the Proposed Changes to Executive Structure document, a Member Services Position was flagged as a necessary step forward for the MAAA structure.
Keith Quigg has been approached about taking on the position and is happy with the appointment.
You can contact Keith by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Let's get to know Keith ...

"Like most aeromodellers of my age, I started building and flying models several decades ago and have been lucky enough to see our sport evolve into the high-quality products that we have today.
I began flying radio-controlled models on the tidal mud flats of Gladstone in central Queensland in 1975 and have never looked back. Along with Neil Hansen and Bill Heiniger, we were founding members of the Kingaroy Aero Modellers Society in 1983 along with guidance from Mr Ron Chastel from the MAAQ. I was a member of many clubs in Queensland after that including the Callide Valley, Rockhampton and then Townsville clubs. My career in electrical projects took me far and wide, but a model plane was always close by.
I was president of the Townsville Aeromodellers Society for a few years and took a role the President of the MAAQ in 2013 after serving as Vice President.
I now call Melbourne home and have been a member of the P&DARCS for 6 years and I’m now in my second year as president of that great club. A strong committee means we are forging ahead with lots of ideas to make certain we retain a strong following as we move forward.
My workshop these days contains a bit of everything from large scale composite sailplanes, glider tow planes, scale models, aerobats and turbines. Certainly, a far cry from the Aeroflyte Hustlers, Geminis and Tridents, but still the passion remains.
This same commitment and passion is important to the MAAA, and all of our members have a role to play to ensure aeromodelling in all disciplines has a strong future. The Member Services role will allow me to reach out to everyone and help build that future and I look forward to meeting as many of our members as possible."

2022 MAAA Conference:
The outcomes from the 2022 Conference are now on the MAAA website, along with the Presidents and Treasurer’s reports. The financial reports have been completed - along with the Auditors report - and these were accepted at the Council meeting.
Your Council members have voted to continue to meet in person, and the next conference will be held in Melbourne 20-21 May 2023.

Membership system update:

The MAAA is moving to a new Membership system in the next few months. The new system is called Member Jungle and for almost all the MAAA members, moving to the new system will be the first time members can see all their information and lots more.
This is like getting a new car - it's something to look forward to. The new system has newer features and accessories - but fundamentally it is still the same as the last motor car. The new system will have a similar look and feel of the old membership system, but will come with ad-ons such as event links, group messaging, incident reporting, wing forms and lots more.

Member Jungle is intended to make it easier for members, clubs, and those wanting to join for the first time.

This year the MAAA issued electronic cards but going forward the new system will automatically generate these when you renew or join a club. If you are worried about the 'technology' side of things, don't be! Fellow club members will be able to review simple details of your membership and will be able to help those who are not comfortable getting start.

Additional information will be available from your club and Association over the coming weeks - there will also be some 'how to use' tutorials available in hard copy form, along with some online sessions for those who prefer an interactive experience.

Reminders
If you have had a change in your club can you please advise the State Association and the MAAA so we can send correspondence to your current executives. This will also let us update the MAAA website so we can direct any enquiries to the right people
If you applying to become a Heavy Model Inspector make sure your applications has supporting material against the selections criteria outlined in the MOP.
We have also been asked to remind all members all communication for CASA must go via your State Association and the MAAA. Going around may well result in delays with your applications

The Western Port Model Aircraft Club recently held a fantastic event for local kids. Huge thanks to Garry Zerbe, club Registrar, for providing this lovely story. Click the link below to read

Click here to read about the recent event for kids at the Western Port Model Aircraft Club

UPCOMING EVENT

Please send Rhyll an email if you have an event poster we can share with
members

FAI F3A World Champs
The FAI have announced a new date for the 2023 FAI F3A World Championship being hosted in Australia. The new dates are: August 18 – August 26.

FPV Instrument:
The MAAA has had its FPV instrument renewed, with one major change: there is to be no more flying parks/private locations unless CASA has been notified prior. While this will upset some, it is important to remember that parks/private locations CAN be listed with CASA, so can be included under MAAA membership. We are the only organisation that has an FPV instrument.
Mitch will be in contact with Drone clubs to discuss the changes and what is required.

NSIG/SIG list:
We are trying to complete a detailed and correct list of NSIGs’ (National Special Interest Groups) and SIG’s (Special Interest Group). We currently have the following:

AFFS
ASAA
LSF
CL
AEFA
SAM1788
PJAA
AMPRA
SCALE
APA
VJAA

If there are some we are missing, or you have lists of the committee for the above, please let Rhyll know.

The best point of contact for the MAAA is through the Secretary Office.
Got a story to share? Send an email. Got an event coming up? Send an email.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Until next time, happy flying!
Tim Nolan, MAAA President

September Presidents Message

September President’s message

Please remember, this is not the live version that was emailed to members and as such the links below are not active. Members can find the original email in their nominated inbox on September 1.

Hello all – time for another update as we prepare for the run down to the end of the year.

Before we get started, if you want to view the photos in this email click at the very and select 'download images' - otherwise they will not display.

CIAM and National Special Interest Groups (NSIG’s)
Joe Finocchiaro from Victoria will be taking on the role of our CIAM delegate for Australia. He brings a passion and commitment to the position to advocate on behalf of disciplines for Australia. In line with this we are doing a check of all the NSIG’s and SIG’s that they are still functioning and representative of their members. This is being done to address concerns that some have become too narrow and are no longer inclusive of all aspect of the discipline they proport to represent.

This kind of photo could see you walk away with $3500 in prizes in CASA's The Sky is the Limit photo comp. Pic taken by the Forbes Advertiser at West Wyalong.

CASA Photo competition:

CASA is calling for entries on their photo competition, The sky’s the Limit. There are more than $3500 in prizes to be won, and the winnings pics end up in next year’s Flight Safety Australia calendar. It doesn’t even have to be a photo of flying – they are looking for images of maintenance, hangars etc. Would be great to see some aeromodelling images make the calendar. Entries are judged on quality and nature of the aviation theme depicted, creativity and aesthetics and relevance and authenticity. Entries close Sept. 30. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

Mop re-writes & Heavy Model Inspectors:

There have been a few incidents recently that emphasise significant systems failures around Giant Models.

We need to ensure that the people conducting the Inspections are competent and take the position seriously.

If we are to be taken seriously and enjoy the ability to fly these larger aircraft then we need to ensure we can learn from each experience.

Heavy Model inspector applications:
We have had a few applications come in of late regarding Heavy Model Inspectors. This MOP is also scheduled for review – as mentioned earlier – however some clarity may be helpful when putting in an application.
The inspector form alone is NOT enough. We need evidence – normally provided in the form of an aeromodelling resume – of current expertise, skill level and proof of scratch building experience. I know this may seem like a painful exercise but we need to maintain a standard across the board.

Setting an ‘across the board’ standard relates not just to our Heavy Model Inspectors but also to our instructors when assessing Silver/Gold wings etc.

Complaints:
All complaints should be dealt with at club level and reviewed by the Ordinary Member. All States have civil dispute resolution process’s and I recommend that these are the best mechanism to deal with matters.

75^Th celebrations:
Hopefully the plans for your MAAA celebration are well underway, and don’t be afraid to ask you state association for assistance.
The MAAA will re-imburse any celebratory drinks/food put on during an event up to $150 per club. If you would like to hold a special event or something a little more ‘out of the box’, please contact us to discuss potential additional funding for promotions etc.
We will do a limited run of stickers and badges to hand out to those clubs that have run an event.
There is a cap on both badges and budgets so please let us know of your intentions early – clubs will be re-imbursed on a first in, best dressed basis.
Let’s see who can put the best celebration show on!
Just to re-iterate, please notify us of your intention to hold a 75^th celebration event so we can keep an eye on numbers/expenditure. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Communication with CASA:
Mitch, MAAA Safety Officer, has flagged some likely changes in CASA structure and the way they interact with the MAAA.
Previously, some clubs have dealt with CASA directly when seeking clarification on policy, procedures etc.
We have been asked to ensure all members of the MAAA communicate through the MAAA to CASA, rather than directly.
All communication to CASA should first go through your State, who will have most of the answers. Any other enquiries can go to the MAAA via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

International travel:
With international competition now possible – yay! – we are seeing members heading out to represent both the MAAA and Australia in different countries/events. MAAA membership includes travel insurance, but for document tracking we need to be aware who is going where.
If you intend to travel as an MAAA member and therefore be covered by the insurance, please notify us BEFORE you head off.

Team selections:
A note to all the NSIG’s that are looking to select teams for upcoming World Championships. Please ensure you are following the team selection process outlined in Mop 024 to ensure your selection process is open and transparent.

Events:
There are a few big events coming up. If you have some spare time try and visit a club putting on a show or display – a little bit of support goes a long way.

South West Associated Radio Modellers Society Inc (SWARMS in WA) Fun Fly 2022 is coinciding with the MAAA 75th Anniversary. The Fun Fly will take place September 24 & 25. All welcome. More information contact Andrew McAuley on 0418 674 986
Manning Model Aero Club Fun Fly: Held on Racecourse Rd Wingham. Open to all MAAA members. Food/drinks/bbq available. All day nonstop flying fun. For more information contact Neil Waterhouse 0410 567 222.
Shepparton Valley Radio Flyers 39^th Mammoth Scale Fly in. September 17 & 18. See the largest scale model aircraft in Australia. Flying from 10am. For more information contact Brendon Edwards on 0429 341 243.

F4C Scale World Championships:
By Joe Finocchiaro
The 2022 FAI F4 World Championships were held in Jarlsberg Norway in July and saw some of the best pilots and builders come together after a 4 year hiatus.
The gap - and trying to put together a world event - had its challenges but to the credit to the FAI organisers the event was a great success.
Australia once again proved it was able to compete amongst the best with the entire team placing in the top 20 of the two categories flown: F4C and F4H.
A fantastic achievement by David Law and Noel whitehead (F4C) and Melissa Law and Greg Lepp (F4H)
On an individual basis, David Law with his Pitts Special coming second in F4C missing out by only 10 points. Andreas Luthi from Switzerland taking out first place with a total score of 1993 (Static/Flying). Our F4H also did us proud with Melissa Law (first woman to fly at this event) achieved a fantastic 12^th place out of 36 pilots.
As one of the scale flight judges at Jarlsberg, I had the pleasure of seeing some of the best pilots fly with aircraft that were built with passion, dedication and heart. To be part of the event is special and judging on the world stage was an experience and one that I will not forget. I had the pleasure of meeting new people and making new friends.
Now I understand even more why our members that fly in FAI World Championship and compete with other pilots from around the world. The buzz and satisfaction is something to be experienced and one that is there for those that wish to compete at this level. As a sport, the MAAA participate in these events to promote aeromodelling and camaraderie at an international level.
I hope to have a full article/report on the event, with additional photos on Facebook and the website – it might even inspire you to try Scale.
Until then fly safe and enjoy the flying.

Drone Nationals:
I attended the Australian Drone Nationals, held at the ADFA in Canberra from the 19-21 August. The event attracted 72 pilots for racing and 10 pilots for the freestyle event.
All the racing was live streamed over the internet as well as large screens displaying live race feeds so that the visitors could experience the racing up close.
If you have never been or seen this racing it is something you need to do, while it may not be your cup of tea the speed and ability of the pilots needs to be seen.
To look at photographs etc www.facebook.com/audronenationals/

Show respect:
Just a note to remind everyone to be kind to one another. This is a sport we are all passionate about, but the success of the industry relies on us all being in it together. Please remember the MAAA is run by volunteers who are doing the best they can for the sport we all love. Likewise, your club executive, state members and all general members are doing their best

Until next time, safe flying – Tim

Peter Barclay's Memoirs of an Aeromodeller

December President's message

October President's Message

September Presidents Message

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