MAAA Wingspan

18 WING SPAN NOVEMBER MEMBER story: DAVID AXON MAAA life member, David Axon has flown sky high for more than 60 years, a momentous milestone for any aeromodelling pilot. We take a look back at his love of aviation and how through his passion of flying, he found a supportive and inclusive group of lifelong friends. As a young boy, David always had a fascination with aircraft, how they were built and how they flew through the sky. In 1953, as a young schoolboy, David got into the sport of aeromodelling. The disciplines he loved most were free flight, control line and radio control. “I loved everything about aeromodelling, it is such a joy to build a model and then take to the skies,” said David. “Frommy hobby of aeromodelling, I then started an apprenticeship in aviation where I was building Vulcan Nuclear Bombers – the ARVO Company produced this aircraft.” The Vulcan was a jet-powered tail- less delta wing, high-altitude bomber that was operated by the Royal Air Force from 1956-1984. Of the three V bombers created, the Vulcan was considered the most technically advanced. Several reduced-scale aircraft, designated Avro 707, were produced to test and refine the delta wing design principals. David undertook his apprenticeship from 1954-1959. Then in 1961, he came across an advertisement for a job in Australia for TAA to work as a licenced aircraft maintenance engineer. “I jumped at the opportunity to come to Australia and service the aeroplanes. It was what I really wanted to do as a career. I really enjoyed my work and was with TAA for 46 years,” said David. Aside from his achievements in aviation, David has also played a pivotal role within the MAAA. “I got back into the sport of aeromodelling in 1974 where I became President for the Victoria Model Aeronautical Association, before taking up the role of President of the MAAA from 1983-1995,” said David. “Through aeromodelling, I have made some great lifelong friends as well as meeting my wife, Toni. We met through a national competition and have been nowmarried for 25 years. “The sport offers great enjoyment and I love meeting new people and participating in aviation.” Attending the recent Pylon World Championship as a spectator, David has also previously worked as the Australian Pylon TeamManager from 1985-1999.