MAAA Wingspan

On a personal note, I still enjoy reading magazines and quite often pick up old ones lying around the club rooms. Flat Out magazine was an excellent production, and I applaud Andrew Sill for his efforts for trying and enthusiasm to keep aeromodellers informed. Perhaps one day, the wheel will turn again. Christmas is nearly upon us, and I suppose all will be looking for some more exciting models to get you through 2020. As we are all aware, this year has been a busy year for the MAAA, particularly concerning the CASA registration and accreditation scheme. At this point, it does not look like the scheme will be introduced for recreational and sports pilots until late in 2021. I happened to see a program on ABC several weeks ago in which CASA officials believed it might not be until 2022. Notwithstanding the introduction date, the MAAA is well prepared. The exemptions for members are agreed, and it is now a process of registering the MAAA affiliated flying sites, be they clubs or privately owned. Christmas also marks the summer and bushfire period. Most clubs are situated in rural or semi-rural areas around which is flammable material. I implore all members to vigilantly consider bushfire safety when flying during this period. Electric aircraft are safe and easy to purchase and fly however the fuel they carry, LiPo batteries, can if damaged erupt into flames very quickly. Numerous electric model aircraft fly daily causing no threat, however with our drought-stricken nation, it only takes one. When you have an unscheduled out landing, please take with you firefighting equipment. It may only be a shovel or a rake, but it may prevent a catastrophe. Remember, think Safety and Be Prepared. The MAAA has recently signed the latest Deed of Agreement with CASA. By signing this Deed, the MAAA, Ordinary Members Clubs and Affiliate members are required to operate model aircraft in accordance with the application of Civil Aviation Regulations, Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, Civil Aviation Orders, the MAAA Manual of Procedures and other manuals and directives of the MAAA. Administrative functions are also imposed on the MAAA and will be administered through the State Associations. Some may ask, why did we sign up to such obligation; however, it is through the Deed and performance functions we enjoy the privileges we do. As with everything else in life, times are changing, and we as an organisation must change with them. The freedoms aeromodellers enjoyed in the past may not remain forever. In saying this, however, the freedoms the MAAA has negotiated with CASA are far superior and less draconian than some being suggested overseas. We all are aware of the rule relating to the flying of model aircraft near people not involved in the control and navigation of that aircraft, but do we all know how that 30 metres is measured? It does not matter how high you fly, there must always be a 30-metre radius (60 metre diameter) restricted area around the model aircraft. Imagine yourself flying down the middle of the road with footpaths 30 metres away on each side. As you fly down the road, the roadway must be clear of all people. Remember, it does not matter how high you fly, the area below your model for a 30M radius must be clear of people. Our area approvals give us some exemptions while flying at MAAA affiliate fields, however, remember that members must be engaged in flying model aircraft. The tractor driver cutting the lawn is not, nor are the visitor or spectators attending the flying field. 04 president’s report CONTINUED...