MAAA Wingspan

35 NOVEMBER WING SPAN MAAALogo. Building upon the success of this year’s momentous 70th MAAA National Model Aircraft Championships- which attracted 270 pilots, along with their supporters to the friendly town of West Wyalong for a thrilling seven- day event- the 71st MAAA National Model Aircraft Championships in 2019, will once again aim to be one of the most thrilling events on the MAAA calendar. Continuing the classic tradition of aeromodelling fun, competition and camaraderie, the 71st Nationals – held 24 April – 1 May in West Wyalong, will bring back all your favourite flying elements, including the time-honoured ‘free for all’ night scramble and the NSW Free Flight Society’s subsequent barbecue on the AB field. The 71st Nationals will also see the floodgates open up to non- competitors too. “The Nationals was always designed for people to compete, with an emphasis on that competition aspect, however, what we’re planning to do for the 71st event is add a bit of a daily ‘fun fly’ element,” says new event coordinator Terry Bond. “Non-competitors will now be given a place to fly their aeroplanes too. For example, we will organise for flyers from the three main disciplines to fly inside the stadium and have a ‘fun fly indoor session’ on a daily basis.” Also, acting upon some feedback from the previous event, the pylon radio control event will be relocated from the airport to the AB field. “We’re currently having a field surveyed at the AB field and speaking to the council to see if we can get the field graded,” continues Terry. “The planes got knocked around a bit at the last event because the ground was too dry, so we’ll be ensuring it’s smooth for pylon radio control flyers for the next event.” Judging from the enthusiastic response last time, where the majority of aeromodelling attendees said they looked forward to returning, the positive vibe is set to continue, ensuring that the 71st MAAA National Model Aircraft Championships will be an event as equally memorable. “The attendance and overall vibe was fabulous for the 70th Nationals, so if we get the same again we’ll be over the moon,” concludes Terry. The 71st MAAA National Model Aircraft Championships will take place 24 April – 1 May. You can find out more information here . PREVIEW: THE 71ST MAAA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT CHAMPIONSHIPS WE SPEAK TO NEW EVENT COORDINATOR, TERRY BOND ABOUT WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THE ‘NATS’ IN 2019.