MAAA Wingspan

25 AUGUST WING SPAN MAAALogo. The bi-annual Alice Springs Masters Games- held from 13-20 October this year, is sure to be an astonishing event, particularly for our MAAA members, showcasing the thrill of aeromodelling in the Red Centre, for the very first time. Veteran pilot and Barossa Valley Model Aero club member, Max Newcombe said this exciting first for the sport will take aeromodelling to new heights, with a wider group of spectators looking to the skies. 
 “I am looking forward to flying my models in the Alice Springs Masters Games because this will be a first for aeromodelling and will showcase our sport and hobby to a wide audience. I always enjoy a friendly and relaxed competition, as Old Timer competitions can be,” said Max. Max began building and flying model aircraft almost 65 years ago, when he flew free flight gliders and control line models. He then progressed, with the latter models into various competition classes, before buying a radio control set and learning to fly gliders by slope soaring and flatland winch, that he launched at competitions too. In recent years, Max has flown at the Alice Springs flying field several times, when visiting aeromodelling friends. His most recent trip was in November 2017, when he did an aerotow of his friend’s ¼ scale Mini-Nimbus glider. He also flew a couple of his Old Timer models, demonstrating to his fellow modellers what they would be seeing if they ran the Old Timer competitions. “They are a friendly group at the Alice Springs Model Aero Club and have been working very hard to prepare the field in top condition to handle the events being held in October,” he says. “The bitumen strip is very good and can handle most types and sizes of models, including jets. Some additions of artificial grass have already been put in place along the bitumen to cover the ever present clumps of wild grass and some pieces are being used in the area being prepared for the Masters Games Old Timer and Glider events.” Aeromodel pilots will be able to compete in scale aerobatics, (flown in the International Miniature Aerobatic Club classes), gliding (under international F5J rules) and vintage old timers (both internal combustion and electric power models – allowing ‘Old Timers’ to compete alongside the ‘Antique’) during the week-long competition. Max couldn’t speak highly enough of the recent, excellently organised and run, 70th MAAA National Model Aircraft Championships, held this year in April at West Wyalong, where he caught up with flyers he knew but had not seen for many years. He says those travelling to Alice Springs for the Masters Games should expect an equally triumphant and enjoyable event, full of fun, friendly assistance and camaraderie. “Competing at the first aeromodelling events, to be held at a Masters Games, is a unique milestone in itself and being at our Red Centre, makes it all the more memorable. See you there!” he says. For more information about the Alice Springs Masters Games follow this link. alice springs masters games A VETERAN AEROMODELLER TALKS ABOUT WHY WE SHOULD BE APPLAUDING AN AEROMODELLING FIRST FOR THIS YEAR’S PINNACLE EVENT Max Newcombe’s 1/3 Piper cub tug, powered by a Zenoah 74. It has towedmodels up to 12kg! Lanzo Bomber powered by a McCoy .60 on glow.