MAAA Wingspan

18 WING SPAN AUGUST DESPITE COVID LOVE OF AEROMODELLING ALIVE & WELL To keep the spirit of aeromodelling alive during COVID-19, clubs like Belconnen Model Aero Club in ACT have encouraged members to work on new and old models from their workshops, and to share these models using social media. Club President, Graham Parkins said the club, which has been in operation for more than 40 years and has 100 members, was actively engaging in hygiene practices before the clubs were closed across Australia due to COVID-19. “We were one step ahead of a lot of people and had arrangements in place weeks before the clubs had protocols in place. We had hand sanitising facilities in place and had locked up the club building to avoid people going in and out,” said Graham. “But when it came to crunch time, we had to close the club, as it was unfair to only allow two members at a time to fly at one time, it just wasn’t going to work. “Since the club has been closed, our members have been very busy in their workshops, working from home on new and old models. It’s a great way for them to enjoy the sport without being able to take to the skies. “One of our members has built a Fokker DR-1 TriPlane with a 2-metre wingspan. When restrictions eased, she was able to take her maiden flight.” Club members have also been staying connected to each other via Facebook, sharing the models they are working on with their fellow members. “The Facebook page has been very active and a great way for our members to communicate with each other,” said Graham. “Members come to the club for flying but it’s also the social side of things so during COVID-19 isolation it’s been hard for many of them. Staying connected and seeing what each other is up to or working on has helped. “The committee has also been holding Zoommeetings so we can also stay connected and up to date as we couldn’t meet face-to-face. “As restrictions have eased, it’s been exciting to see the models members have been working on take their maiden flight. There are so many new ones taken to the skies. It’s exciting to see. It’s great to be back on the field and slowly getting back to normality.” Peter Ederle with the completed 1/3 Scale Fokker DR-1 Triplane A short video of the maiden flight is available for viewing on Facebook here: https:// www.facebook.com/Thescaleaviators/ videos/231684198123291/?t=8