MAAA Wingspan

36 WING SPAN NOVEMBER KINGAROY AERO MODELLERS SOCIETY FLY-IN FUNDRAISER RAISING AEROMODELLING AWARNESS AND MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR QUEENSLAND’S ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE Over the weekend of October 20-21, the Kingaroy Aero Modellers Society (KAMS), held their 4th Annual Fun Fly-In at their flying field at Booie. Approximately 50 people turned up from across South-East Queensland to enjoy the event. “Pilots came from Samford Valley, Toowoomba, Burnett Heads and Maryborough to share a great weekend with our South Burnett members,” said KAMS President John Box. This event was particularly noteworthy for raising funds to support the outstanding work carried out by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) for the South Burnett community. “It was all about raising awareness for them by showcasing the sport of aeromodelling,” continues John. “Each year in Queensland, the RFDS must raise about $14 million to help purchase vital medical equipment and fit out its specially modified aircraft to ensure it can continue delivering first-class health care to more than 95,000 people each year in regional, rural and remote Queensland.” For a $10 donation, attendees received a RFDS – MAAA commemorative badge and had the opportunity to have-a-go at flying a radio-controlled aircraft. “We are extremely grateful to have supporters, such as the Kingaroy Aero Modellers Society, who generously offer to help raise much needed funds for the RFDS in Queensland,” said Sarah-Jayne, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) Community Fundraising Coordinator. John said another highlight was the astonishing ten hours of flight put in by fellow KAMS member Dean Eckart, who is a wheelchair paraplegic aeromodeller and 2018 Wheelie- with-Wings Scholarship participant at Temora, flying a Foxbat aircraft modified with hand controls. “Dean put on quite a show for us all-flying his sizeable 2.6m wingspan Extra 260 during our fly-in,” said John. “We also had guys flying electric helicopters, larger IMAC models and a pit special, who attempted to fly in formation with smoke but unfortunately, with the overcast conditions, you couldn’t make out the smoke too well.” Nevertheless, John would like to thank all the visiting aeromodelling club members who attended and made the event so special. “No doubt the event will be bigger and better next year for our 5th KAMS annual Fun Fly-In,” he concludes. A great excuse to have a fun fly for a worthy cause.