FEBRUARY
WING
SPAN
MAAALogo.
AUG ST
WING
SPAN
In our efforts to reflect feedback from
members in the 2014 Members’ survey, the
MAAA have an exciting announcement. We have
been working towards creating Silver Wings and
will be launching this qualification across our
clubs at the start of the 2015/16 membership
renewal period. Further details are on page 6 of
this edition.
I’m also pleased to announce that applications
are now open for the 2015 MAAA’s Club
Assistance Scheme.
The Scheme will deliver funding to help our
clubs provide facilities that will not only benefit
members, but encourage all Australians to take
part in our exciting sport.
The Club Assistance Scheme has previously
supported the purchases of fire fighting and
mowing equipment and the construction of
shaded areas and toilet blocks.
Initiatives like the Club Assistance Scheme go
a long way towards seeing our sport grow. They
exemplify our motto, “aeromodellers helping
aeromodellers”. For more information on The
MAAA’s Club Assistance Scheme visit www.
maaa.org.au.
It will soon be time to renew your membership
with the MAAA, I’d encourage existing members
to stay part of our organisation that forms
one powerful voice, and offers you so much
more than just insurance, with management
support, expert advice and advocacy. For those
new to the sport, at MAAA clubs you will receive
the best advice, instructors, knowledge and
a safe environment within our clubs so that
everybody can experience the adrenaline rush
and thrill of flight.
Until next time have a safe, fun flight.
4
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MAY
WING
SPAN
president’s
report
CONTINUED...
SAFETY
MATTERS
Safe fun in thesun!
• Make sure you don’t dehydrate
by having access to plenty of
fluids while at the field. Water
containers are not what they
used to be and there’s a range
of new drinking bottles that are
aluminium and double-walled
(with no spill straws) to keep
your water cool.
• Take a look at your clothing for
the best protection in avoiding
sun damage to your skin, which
may come back in the future to
torment you. Long sleeve light
cotton shirts may work and some
come in material that has an SPF
rating.
• If you need to retrieve a model
away from the field, consider
your personal safety and make
sure someone knows where you
are going and in what direction.
• Take additional care if you
intend to operate by yourself and
always carry a mobile phone so
you can call for help.
• Try to avoid leaving models
in closed vehicles during the
summer months as this can
cause problems not only with
canopies but electronics, which
may then fail at a later date.
Keepyourwitsabout you!
Pilot safety awareness does not
stop by ensuring your electric model
is armed in the correct manner
and in a safe environment. It does
not stop by keeping fingers away
from spinning propellers or by not
carrying out a ‘radio range check’
prior to the first flight of the day.
Taking the time to actually check
that the control functions on that
new model ARE working in the
correct direction, not just ‘waggling
in the breeze’, avoids an unsafe
operation and embarrassment.
The MAAA investigates accidents
that occur across the country and
it’s really very important when
flying model aircraft to keep your
wits about you. If your mates aren’t
paying attention, remind them and
place the safety of yourself and
fellow modellers before anything
else. Nobody wants a good, fun
flight to be spoiled by a trip to the
emergency ward.
Remember, you can learn a great
deal from your fellow flyers who
want to see you succeed and enjoy
the experience for many years
to come. For more information
on clubs near you visit the MAAA
website at
.
SAFETY POINTS FOR A LONG HOT SUMMER. WHEN IT IS STILL
30°C AT 5PM IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, IT’S TIME TO
TAKE EXTRA CARE AT THE FLYING FIELD. AS SUMMER HASN’T
FADED, REMEMBER TO CONSIDER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AT
THE FIELD.
The F1 Air Race event was a huge
success and attracted in excess of 2,000
members of the public. See you there
next year.
We have been working towards creating
Silver Wings and will be launching this
qualification across our clubs soon.
