MAAA Wingspan

• The Volocopter, a drone that will replace taxis and eventually the motor vehicle. • The utilisation of U class airspace- airspace specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles. • Drone racing, not with drones as we know today, but with much larger drones such as the Freedom 500 class. These drones will be raced around horse racing tracks on a professional basis- geofencing being utilised to ensure safety. Drone pilots will acquire skills at club-based level competing as amateurs, then progressing to a professional level. The FS500 is currently reaching speeds of 120 plus kilometers per hour. Version 2 will reach speeds of more than 200 kilometers per hour. • An 18-year-old aeromodeller has replaced the conventional 2-stick transmitter with a handheld module- the aircraft controlled by hand movement alone. This equipment has great potential in encouraging disabled people to get involved in our great hobby. • A new sport known as ‘Drone Ball’, where drones are incorporated in a ball cage, flown through a hoop to score goals, whilst at the same time preventing the opposing side from scoring goals. • Drone combat challenges. Many other topics were discussed, too many to include in this article. Masters Games The Masters Games in Alice Springs is a first for aeromodelling and I hope the first of many things to come. Congratulations to both the Alice Springs Radio Modellers and Alice Springs Fun Flyers for organising and making this event a success. A fine example of two clubs working together for a common cause. A big thank you must also go to the Master Games organisers, Alice Springs Council and the Northern Territory Government for recognising and including aeromodelling in this wonderful event. Events flown were F5J, IMAC and Old Timers. Camaraderie between all competing pilots demonstrated what aeromodelling is about, having fun, learning from others and socialising. It is interesting to note that Alice Springs is situated 580 meters, 1902 feet above sea level. Consequently, the air is thinner, the models perform differently- a unique experience for all the “sea side” pilots. On one very hot day, Kevin Dodd commented that due to the heat and humidity, the air density altitude was calculated to be equivalent to 4000 feet above sea level- a real test for the pilots. One very experienced Old Timer pilot, who will remain nameless, had to re-adjust his landing techniques due to the thin air. The event concluded with a novel “Runway” dinner, attended by over 50 people. Unfortunately, just as we finished the fantastic roast meal, prepared by the wives and partners of club members, a large thunderstorm disrupted the event and all had to move to the pit shelters where event winners were presented with the Master Games medals. I must say John Oliver had great difficulty trying to speak above the noise of the pelting rain. Comments were made about getting out the lawn mowers after the downpour. The full list of winners from the Alice Springs Masters Games can be read on page 18 Club Visits Since my last report, I have visited the two Alice Springs clubs- the Blue Lake Aeromodellers (BLAM) Float plane event at Lake Leake in the south east of South Australia and the Ring Master event at the South Hummocks Model Aircraft Club in Port Wakefield (SHMAC). The BLAM event was attended by more than 30 enthusiastic float plane devotees. The weather was perfect and Lake Leake as smooth as glass- many hours of airtime were added to the log books over this weekend. The event was attended by both “experts” and novices. The club intends to have two events per year, so get those floats out. Congratulations to the club for turning on a great weekend. The South Hummocks Model Aircraft Club conducted the Ring Masters control line event on the 1st October. The official date for this world-wide event is the 6th and 7th October, however, as it was a long weekend in Adelaide, special dispensation was received from the “Masters of the Ring” to hold their 04 president’s report CONTINUED...