MAAA Wingspan - Quarterly Magazine

I encourage all members to take advantage of their MAAA membership and visit other clubs, you will be most welcomed, make new friends and importantly share aeromodelling experiences. The way we can grow is to learn from our fellow members, share initiatives and most importantly help each other by providing venues for future generations. By doing this, we can assure that they, like we have, experienced aeromodelling to its fullest. We should not only limit our activities to current members. Aeromodelling is at a cross roads, we must embrace the future and encourage new aeromodellers to experience what we and our forefathers have. Many see aeromodelling as just flying model aeroplanes, but we know that it is more than that. Aeromodelling not only involves flying, it includes building, aeronautical knowledge, engineering, engine management, gas turbine management, electronics, computer technology and who knows what the future holds. I have seen many young members utilise the skills gained through aeromodelling to forge successful careers. Just as importantly, the younger members learn to converse with members many years their age. Aeromodelling is a great leveller- age difference is no barrier. I am sure every club has shared the same experience. Excellent points to stress when promoting aeromodelling to new members, community groups and organisations. On the topic of moving forward, it is encouraging to see a large number of clubs embracing the ever-growing fascination with the flying of “Drones”. Many clubs I have visited are looking at ways by which they can embrace this activity and how they can include it in their daily activities. I even know some old “traditional” aeromodelling members who have quietly “experimented” with these machines. CLUB ASSISTANCE SCHEME 2018 The MAAA Club assistance scheme is again open and the period for application expires on the 1st of April 2018. The scheme is aimed at assisting clubs to provide suitable facilities to members. First priority is given to items which clubs must have to operate. Money to fund this initiative is derived from the interest the MAAA receives from investments. The amount available is totally dependent upon interest rates and full details are on the MAAA website. Many clubs have benefited in the past years and I encourage clubs that have not taken advantage, to consider submitting a business case. ANNUAL CONFERENCE The annual council conference this year will be held in Adelaide over the weekend of the 19th and 20th of May. If there are any issues you or your club wish discussed, now is the time to contact your state representatives- normally the State Executive members, and make submissions. MAAA member observers are welcome to attend to see how the MAAA functions. 11K INITIATIVE It is encouraging to see that a number of clubs have embraced the 11K initiatives and are implementing initiatives that have the potential of growing the club. The MAAA can assist in these programs, however at the end of the day, it down to the individual clubs to do the hard work. Clubs must have a strategic plan which ensures what they have invested in over the years continues into the future. Aeromodelling is coming under attack from a number of quarters, mainly due to the activities of those who have a desire to fly outside of the rules. I am pleased to say most of these are not MAAA members. Clubs must build on this and show the wider public that flying within the club environment is not only safe and lawful, but a venue to have fun, meet new people with a common interest and face new challenges. A local club member recently explained that he had been reluctant in joining because he thought, at his age, he could never master the skills. When he did pluck up the courage, he obtained his solo wings and proved one should never doubt your abilities. This can happen to all ages, aeromodelling builds self- esteem. All good points in promoting our sport.. FORTHCOMING EVENTS The 2018 contest calendar is now in full swing and members should see their State Organisations for details. The major event for the MAAA in the next few months is the MAAA Nationals, to be held at West Wyalong between the 23rd and 30th of April. I understand that at the time of writing this article, in excess of 250 entries have been received- a great result. Even if you are not participating, try to make the time available to attend. I realise it may be a long way from where some of us live, however, I believe it will be well worth the effort to attend. Almost all disciplines of aeromodelling will be represented. Come along, enjoy the events and socialise with fellow aeromodellers. Neil Tank President 04 president’s report CONTINUED...