MAAA Wingspan

WING SPAN AUGUST 20 Our dear life long MAAA member John Gottschalk from Melbourne who is now 91 years old is a master Aeromodeller. John is a national treasure and one of the finest examples of a master Aeromodeller that we have in Australia. John has a lifetime of aeromodelling master pieces under his belt. John’s interests have spaned large scale gliding, including slope soaring and aero towing, through to large scale aerobatic aircraft, WW1 fighters and indoor models. Just to name a few of John building achievement, ASK-13 ¼ scale, ELFE S4a 1/3 scale, Baby Ace 37.5 % just because that was the largest possible single piece wing that would fit in his trailer, Mono Coupe 1/5 scale, Bucker BJ 133 Jungmeister 40%, Fokker D6 1/3 scale, Fokker D8 ¼ scale. John’s achievements generated by his passion, enthusiasm and commitment to aeromodelling have been enjoyed by the Australian modelling community for well over half a century, he has been an inspiration to many aspiring modellers. John is also a fine machinist and his attention to detail even go as far as manufacturing his own Fokker nuts. John finished another master piece several years ago, this time a ¼ scale Fokker D.V111 to commemorate the centenary of the D.V111 first flights, he is currently building a large FOKKER EIII. John is a very humble delightful man and an absolute expert model builder, John has an enormous wealth of knowledge on World War 1 subjects including other aircraft types and freely shares his knowledge. John is a highly skilled innovator and fabricator of fine flying model machines. John is also one of the funniest characters which adds greatly to the social aspects of our aeromodelling activities. As we travel through these difficult COVID times we should be mindful of the impact it has on all members of our aeromodelling community. These can be very stressful times, but we can also make them very rewarding if we maintain a productive positive mindset. Stay in communication, reach out to fellow modellers, start, finish or service as many projects as you can so that when this COVID storm breaks our community can bounce back with renewed enthusiasm, drive and sense of community. Say good day to your aeromodelling college through whatever communication medium is appropriate with current COVID restrictions and be mindful that some of the new technology is difficult for some members to adopt. Stay safe and well. Life Long Member, John Gottschalk AUS 4431