MAAA Wingspan - Quarterly Magazine

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03
MAAA EXECUTIVE
President:
Mr Neil Tank
Vice President:
Mr Carl Bizon
Secretary:
Mr Kevin Dodd
Treasurer:
Mr Brian Dowie
Enquiries about Wingspan,
including advertising, feedback
and story ideas can be emailed to
president’s MESSAGE
SENATE ENQUIRY INTO THE
FLYING OF REMOTELY PILOTED
AIRCRAFT (RPA) “DRONES”
Fast take-off for multi rotors
The flying of Multi Rotor aircrafts,
commonly referred to as “Drones”,
is a fast growing aspect of our sport/
hobby and is growing faster than any
other discipline. Other disciplines have
been adopted in a slow and steady manner; but this is not the
case with the introduction of multi rotors. Combined with the
rapidly growing development in technology, there has been an
explosion in the take up of multi rotor flying. In the past, one
needed to learn to fly and save to purchase or build a model.
These developments evolved slowly and in line with conventions
of the day. This is not the case with multi-rotors, which are now
available in most departmental stores at very affordable prices.
The introduction of multi rotors is great for our hobby/sport
as it opens avenues for increased membership and increased
enjoyment in our sport. With every plus however, there is
a minus. The ease of flying multi rotors has brought with it
challenges we all must face. Issues such as the invasion of
privacy, interference with full size aircraft and illegal flying to
name a few.
New CASA Regulations
Commercial operators have also entered into the mix and as
such the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has seen fit to
introduce regulations which ensure these persons also operate
in a safe regulated manner. These regulations came into effect
on the 29th of September and were aimed at reducing the cost
and legal requirements for lower-risk commercial remotely
piloted aircraft (RPA) operations. The new regulations for
licensing are based on the weight of the aircraft. Operators of
any aircraft under two kilograms were still required to obtain
a permit from CASA but not required to complete the rigorous
testing if they comply with stated conditions. These amendments
do not relate to the recreational use of model aircraft.
Federal Senate enquiry
As a consequence of concerns raised by airline pilots, airline
operators, Air Services and perhaps current commercial
operators, the Federal Senate has moved to put on hold the
introduction of the new regulations pending the outcome of a
Senate Committee Investigation relative to safety implications
of the new regulations. The terms of reference for the committee
investigation however goes further than the proposed new
regulations and includes the use of model aircraft for sport and
recreation. i.e. they will examine amongst other things:
President:
Neil Tank
Remember, if your club is inviting members of the
public to an event, feel free to advertise it on the
MAAA website!
Go to: to add your event.
NOVEMBER WING SPAN
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