22.04.2025
Dear Members,
Autumn is still offering some great flying weather and numerous choices for events to attend. I hope everyone had a great Easter break and managed to get a few flights in.
The third VMAA Festival of Flight was run at the Echuca Moama Model Aero Club this month and was a huge success. We thank the members for putting on a great event and for flying the VMAA flag.
The committee are preparing for the upcoming MAAA Council Conference in May. Thank you to those clubs who applied for MAAA CAS grants. The application period is now closed for this round, and outcomes will be decided at the conference. Clubs are still able to access VMAA grants.
MAAA Blanket Area Approvals
As announced last month, the MAAA have successfully negotiated blanket area approvals with CASA for clubs within ‘G class airspace’ (Which is basically uncontrolled airspace under 1200’ AGL). The VMAA will run be running an online information session regarding the new MAAA Area Approval process and discuss the additional requirements. Date and time TBA.
Avalon Airshow 2025 and Sandown Train and Hobby Show
The Avalon Airshow has been coordinated by Roger Chapman for the last 18 years. He is now stepping down and handing over the baton. I would like to thank Roger for his dedication and time organising this event for so many years. I would also like to thank all our members who volunteered to be on our stand representing the VMAA. I would also like to thank Stephen Green and Phillip Morten for their time at the Sandown event.
Declining Membership
The VMAA are focused on increasing membership for the longevity of our sport. I would like to hear members’ feedback regarding where your members come from.
The Avalon Airshow and Sandown Toy and Hobby Show displays have been attended by the VMAA for many years now. There is significant effort and members’ time dedicated to running these displays. I would like to know how many members this has directly generated in past years. If you joined because of attending one of these events, please let me know by emailing me at: president@vmaa.com.au
Try and Fly days appear to be the best generators of new members, and I would like to encourage all clubs to run at least one Try Fly event per year. As per my last update, the VMAA are offering $250 to support clubs in hosting these events. To apply for this grant, follow this link: VMAA Try Fly Day Grant | VMAA
FREE Online Seminar – Wednesday 21st May 2025 – How to organise a Try Fly Event
Andrew Sill from Sill Marketing is hosting a free online seminar on how to create and promote a Try Fly event. This is targeted at all clubs who want to learn how to run and promote a Try Fly event. Open to all members. The online seminar starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday 21st May. Please register your attendance here:
Online Seminar Series | VMAA
Junior Membership Program – FREE!
The VMAA is covering the VMAA/MAAA fees for first-time juniors. More details here: Get off the PC and Get Into RC | VMAA
State Flying Instructor
When a member gains their Instructor qualification, Gold, Silver or Bronze Wings, this is recorded for publication each month on our VMAA website under the Latest News section, dating back to September 2024. This information is updated by the 5th of the month following test date. Thank you to all our instructors who promptly notify me as soon as a test is completed.
VMAA Facebook Page
The VMAA Facebook page is active but as some of you have found, you need to have a Facebook account to view it. If you don’t have Facebook, the same information is available on our website at: VMAA | Victorian Model Aeronautical Association. Reach out if you need any help with our website or Facebook page.
Club Listings
I keep banging on about this but we still only have 27 of our 70 clubs listed on the VMAA website. Please get your committee to add your club. You can do it here:
Find a Club – Add your Club | VMAA . If you need assistance doing this, please contact us.
Upcoming Events:
• 25/4/25 Hamilton Model Aeroplane Club – Warbirds 2025 | VMAA
• 25-27/4/25 Blue Rock Float Fly 2025 | VMAA
• 3-4/5/25 Sunraysia Aeromodellers Fun Fly 2025 | VMAA
• 24-25/5/25 Bairnsdale Mid May Muster | VMAA
• 7/6/25 Lake Bolac Annual Float Fly | VMAA
• 7/6/25 VICSCALE Trophy weekend – Bendigo | VMAA
These events can be found on our website at: Events from February 16 – June 7 – VMAA
Until next time, Safe flying
Tony Wilson
VMAA President
If you need additional information, please get in touch with the VMAA Secretary by clicking Secretary@vmaa.com.au.The next VMAA Executive meeting will be held on Thursday, 08 May 2025, starting at 7:30 via Zoom Videoconferencing.
Any business items to be tabled must be submitted in writing or by email to the VMAA Secretary 21 days before the meeting.