MAAA Wingspan

34 WING SPAN NOVEMBER MANAGEMENT MATTERS: HAVE A GO DAYS FOR 2019 The thrill of flight, along with the people you meet at club events and during flying competitions is what makes the sport of aeromodelling so enjoyable. It’s all about community and sharing the joy of flying in the skies with a variety of model aircraft. What could be more enjoyable than participating in the sport you love and introducing it to the wider community- ensuring the hobby stays strong into the future? In 2019, why not organise a get- together with a sausage sizzle, some demonstration flying or a series of regular ‘Have a Go’ flying model aircraft days across the calendar to boost interest and encouragement for our fascinating sport. It’s a great excuse to host a few fun social events and share the camaraderie of flying model aircraft with newcomers and old timers alike. Your local MAAA club is the best place to arrange these ‘Have a Go’ days, allowing the next generation of budding pilots to step outside in the sunshine, get some fresh air into their lungs and soar to greater, more thrilling heights then what can be achieved sitting inside, at home in front of a TV screen or computer monitor. The unique outdoor thrills of aeromodelling is one of the reasons why, for over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest flying organisation, focusing on giving our members the best flying experience. “We try and have at least two ‘come and fly day’s a year,” said The Barossa Valley Model Aero Club manager, Stuart Ratsch. “We believe in talking to people to encourage them to take up the hobby.” Other clubs have reported the positive impact of regular open days, which demonstrate the club flyers and types of models flown. These events can showcase the essence of aeromodelling, highlighting what can be achieved by following your passion for flying. The appeal of ‘Have a Go’ days is pivotal toward persuading others to have a go, learn from experienced flyers and potentially join your club. So, now that the weather is finally getting friendlier, it’s a great time to start arranging some forthcoming ‘Have a Go’ days at your club for 2019 and introduce the next generation to this fast-growing, family-friendly sport. The MAAA will help promote your events on Facebook for you. Please email editor@maaa.asn.au with some background information, name, date/time, location, club hosting, event flyer (if you have one) and your Facebook or website links. Please send us some quality photos from your event and we’ll post them up on Facebook to share with your fellow aeromodellers. WE GET SUCH FUN AND CAMARADERIE FROM AEROMODELLING. FOR THE NEW YEAR, WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO HAVE A GO TOO?