MAAA Wingspan

26 WING SPAN NOVEMBER The MAAA recognises the importance of investing in our MAAA clubs, supporting the culture of camaraderie and giving access to financial assistance and support for our clubs’ improvements. The annual Club Assistance Scheme has been designed to give MAAA clubs access to financial assistance and support so that pilots can continue to enjoy the adrenalin rush of the sport with the best facilities and flying fields. In 2020, 14 clubs benefited from the Club Assistance Scheme, allowing them to enhance their facilities, flying fields and welcome newmembers. The MAAA is proud to announce that applications for the 2021 Club Assistance Scheme officially opened as of 1 February (applications close 1 May 2021) Our clubs are an integral part of the camaraderie, friendship and fun our sport is proud to have. It is important to continue the legacy and further the future of the sport by continuing to support clubs financially, so that they can improve their facilities, increase activities and provide the best quality flying fields possible, and to attract newmembers of all ages and disciplines to MAAA. Constellation Model Flying Club applied for funds under the Club Assistance Scheme to extend the east-west runway and enable pilots to avoid their neighbour’s house and property at the south-west boundary. Overflying on the neighbour’s property has caused issues and with area approvals now requiring signoffs by our neighbours, the club is keen to do what it can to avoid future issues. The Kingaroy Aeromodellers Club (KAMS) is cutting a clear path for their members to fly sky high, thanks to the MAAA Club Assistance Scheme. The Club received a grant to replace their old ride on mower. “Our tired mower was well and truly past its use by date, so we decided to put in for the MAAA Club Assistance Scheme. We were delighted to receive the $5,000 grant which we put towards a new $7,000 mower. The rest of the funds came from our Club who helped raise the additional $2,000,” said President John Box. The Echuca Moama Model Aero Club (EMMAC) has recently installed a lifesaving defibrillator thanks to the latest round of grants made possible by the MAAA Club Assistance Scheme. Secretary of the EMMAC Fred West said the Club has an ageing member demographic, and the installation of a defibrillator adds some peace of mind if one of their members or visitors had a problem, then help would be on hand. To learn more about the Club Assistance Scheme visit; https://www.maaa.asn.au/club-support/club-financial- support 27 IMPORTANT DRONE SAFETY INFORMATION You must not fly your drone higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level. You must keep your drone at least 30 metres away from other people. If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must fly at least 5.5 kilometres away from a controlled airport, which generally have a control tower at them. If you’re near a helicopter landing site or smaller aerodrome without a control tower, you can fly your drone within 5.5 kilometres. If you become aware of manned aircraft nearby, you will have to manoeuvre away and land your drone as quickly and safely as possible. You must not fly over or above people or in a populous area. This could include beaches, parks, events, or sport ovals where there is a game in progress. You must keep your drone within visual line-of-sight. This means always being able to see the drone with your own eyes (rather than through a device, screen or goggles). You must not fly your drone over or near an area affecting public safety or where emergency operations are underway. This could include situations such as a car crash, police operations, a fire or firefighting efforts or search and rescue. If you intend to fly your drone for or at work (commercially), there are extra rules you must follow. You will also need to register your drone and get a licence or accreditation. Remember, you must not operate your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property. Respect personal privacy. Don’t record or photograph people without their consent —this may breach other laws. You must only fly one drone at a time. You must only fly during the day and you must not fly through cloud or fog. KNOWYOURDRONE.GOV.AU 2009.4084 2021 maaa club assistance scheme