MAAA Wingspan

round a week earlier. The purpose of the challenge is to see how many flights can be achieved worldwide over the entire weekend. The Fly-A-Thon is in honour of one of the most popular U-Control models flown during the 1950s and 1960s. The Ring Master was originally powered by a .15 to a .19 engine. Now most are fitted with .25s. Worldwide, 738 pilots managed 4359 flights during the event in 2017. This year’s event 633 flyers achieved a total of 5119 flights-well done guys. Below is the list of the Australian contribution: CLUB REPORTER # FLIGHTS South Hummocks Ned Kelly 26 Victoria Cliff Mclver 467 Adelaide Peter Anglberger 19 Bendigo Les Davis 260 Singleton Paul Allen 7 Sydney Dennis Wilson 27 Deagon Alan Hansen 58 Melbourne, Victoria Reeve Marsh 69 A great effort by all and perhaps some of our past control line pilots can have a go next year. I think you will enjoy it. Ring Master Plans are readily available. Casa Directive In October 2016, CASA issued a directive restricting the flying of unmanned aircraft to a height of 400 feet (121 metres). MAAA clubs were given an exemption that allowed members to maintain the status quo. The legal process in issuing the exemption on a six- monthly basis became expensive, time consuming and not sustainable. As of 31st of October 2018, no unmanned aerial vehicle, including model aircraft, can be flown over 400 feet unless the area in which they are flown is subject to a ceiling height increase by CASA. The MAAA was advised of this change prior to May this year and all MAAA clubs were asked, through their state secretaries, to supply club details to the MAAA Secretary. CASA has now been supplied with the information provided and is now considering the individual club applications for height extensions. This will effectively mean clubs issued with a height extension can fly to the height detailed in the individual instrument. Clubs that have not been issued with an instrument will be limited to 400 feet. Similar restrictions apply in England and similar instruments have been issued to BMFA clubs. What does this mean for the future of aeromodelling? As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the change in airspace use is a worldwide trend due to the introduction of “drone” technology. As more and more remotely piloted aircraft take to the skies, greater congestion will occur and airspace use will become more regulated- hence the current discussion in Europe relating to “U” class airspace. Aeromodelling as we know it today may change, but the changes will not spell the end of aeromodelling. I may not see it in my lifetime, but I believe the time will come when model aircraft will be restricted to fly in designated areas. Areas which other commercial remotely piloted aircraft will have to avoid. Although the MAAA cannot stop progress, we will continue to ensure future aeromodellers have a place in the aviation scene and are included in any discussions relating to the change of airspace use and the areas where our members fly remain areas restricted for model aircraft use only. Some aeromodelling disciplines may have to change competition rules and the way they operate, however, with the advancement of technology, these changes will not spell the end of the discipline. Aeromodelling has in the past and will continue to be the forefront of aviation development. Most modern designs and drone technology were born out of experiments with model aircraft. We have a place in the aviation scene and will continue to do so. Neil Tank President MAAALogo. 5 0 NOVEMBER WING SPAN