MAAA Wingspan

13 NOVEMBER WING SPAN MAAALogo. In support of NSW Kids in Need, the MAAA has offered children the chance to find their wings and turn grey skies blue for a special fundraising event. In August, more than 1000 people gathered to witness large model jets and aeroplanes take to the skies, raising over $17,500 for NSW Kids In Need. This charity divides proceeds from its fund-raising events between Bear Cottage, Burns Unit at Westmead Children’s Hospital, Central Coast Kids in Need, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Muscular Dystrophy NSW and Shine for Kids. Hosted by SkyAces RC and held on the grounds of the Nirimba TAFE campus – the day was an incredible spectacle, with model turbine powered jet aircraft models flying at up to 400 kms/hr. Some world class scale propeller models and aerobatic planes also joined the line up to put on a diverse display of model aviation. Event organiser Levi Wagner from SkyAces RC said more than 20 models were on display this year as well as the MAAA donating 500 gliders. “I learnt to fly from the age of 14. Over the years I’ve watched models evolve from sluggish ducted fan jets that would struggle to take off, to large, realistic, advanced turbine powered jets that can accelerate vertical on take-off – it’s incredible to watch,” said Levi. “Having wanted to be a fighter pilot my whole life, this is the next best thing for me. Some of our models are so big and heavy they need to be flown at active, full-sized airports – thanks to the support from the MAAA, CASA and Aeromodellers NSW we now have 3 airports available to us. It’s a true replication – people can’t believe such a thing exists”. One of the highlights of the event was the inclusion of one of Australia’s top full-scale aerobatic pilots, Paul Bennet. Paul has placed first in the Australian Aerobatic Championships in both the Advanced and Unlimited category. New South Wales Kids in Need Deputy Chair Tim Rossell said, it was a great, successful weekend, raising more than $17,000 for our children’s charities. “The Fast Jets event was a resounding success – with lots of happy spectators enjoying a great day out, as they witnessed the extraordinary skills of our Amazingly Pilots with their aircraft, without whom the day could not have happened,” Tim said. STORY CONTINUES NEXT PAGE... YOUNG AEROMODELLERS: FLYING HIGH FOR CHILDREN IN NEED