15.12.2025
VMAA News VMAA President & Committee- Update December 2025 Hello Members, The festive season is upon us, a time to cherish moments with family and friends. As we reflect on the year, I also pause to remember the fellow aeromodellers we’ve lost. My heartfelt condolences go once again to their families and loved ones. Let us honour their memory by taking time with one another, listening to shared stories, and learning from the wealth of experience within our aeromodelling community. In doing so, we keep both their legacy and our passion alive. Federalisation The topic of federalisation is gaining momentum. While I recently met with fellow state presidents and noted that all do not yet desire a fully national body, it’s clear we share common challenges: Membership growth and retention Publicity, marketing, social media, and Wingspan engagement Streamlining membership systems and flows Updating the Manual of Procedures (MOP) with expert input and subcommittees Simplifying administrative processes Attracting and retaining members Enhancing training and instruction The VMAA Committee has made substantial progress this year, improving the website, simplifying applications, and boosting club support. A unified membership system could bring significant administrative and financial efficiencies across all states, and I believe it’s worth exploring further. Federalisation isn’t imminent, but small steps—like trialling direct VMAA/MAAA payments to the MAAA- could help test the waters. Let’s move thoughtfully, learn as we go, and keep the conversation open. Watch this space. Height Restrictions – A reminder to all members All pilots are required to comply with the designated height restrictions assigned to their club. Flying above 400’ AGL is prohibited unless a club possesses area approval specifying an altitude limit. Clubs that hold Area Approvals must display the approval document, a map of the flying site, and club rules in an accessible location for all members and visiting pilots to view. Breaching height limits is considered a serious violation of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and Model Aircraft operating procedures. Members are reminded of the critical importance of adhering strictly to prescribed altitude limits to maintain the safety of all airspace users and safeguard continued access to club flying sites. Victorian flying Sites with higher approved limits can be found here. Heavy Model Inspector Renewals If you have been a Heavy Model Inspector (HMI) for more than 5 years, you will soon be asked if you would like to renew your endorsement. This will be done online via the VMAA Website. More details will be provided at the next update. MAAA Club Assistance Scheme (CAS) With the New Year looming, it is time to start thinking about what your club needs to improve facilities, grounds, machinery, etc. The MAAA offers CAS grants up to $7,700 (incl GST). Successful applicants are decided at the MAAA Conference in May each year. The VMAA also contributes funds to successful applicants. There were only four Victorian applications this year! For more information, follow these links: Club Assistance Scheme – Model Aeronautical Association of Australia VMAA Grants & Loans | VMAA Please submit your application to the VMAA well in advance of the closing date so we can ensure it is complete and ready for submission. VMAA Website Please take a moment to visit the VMAA website at vmaa.com.au and explore the range of resources and information available. Many enquiries we receive could be quickly answered by reviewing the site, which includes details on membership, club support, regulations, event updates, and the latest news in aeromodelling. We will be adding an FAQ page very soon. Key sections to explore: The Services tab and members tab provide a lot of resources and information. Use the password: VMAA2024 to access selected areas. This section will provide exclusive access to forms, insurance details, and internal communications. Staying informed helps us all support a safer, stronger aeromodelling community. VMAA Facebook Page Our Facebook page needs more followers. This is a page that clubs can use to advertise upcoming events or to spruik their club achievements. Here is the link: Facebook VMAA Registrar’s Message Half-yearly Membership Registrations will open early January 2026. Please note that half-year memberships are available only to returning members who were not members in the previous financial year (2024-25) and to New Members. New Junior members are still free to register. Can I urge all Registrars or Secretaries to be vigilant in updating their club’s information on the MAAA Register/database when positions change at their club. We use this information to contact club executive members. I have been getting requests for membership card reprints. I cannot send a reprint of a member’s card. The intention is for members to create their own login to download their membership card. For any Registrar-related enquiries, please get in touch with me. I will be more than happy to help. To everyone, a happy, safe and healthy Christmas and good weather for flying in 2026. Ian Mackay – VMAA Registrar Email: registrar@vmaa.com.au Ph: 0407 861 131 Treasurer’s Message Club treasurers, please include a reference in the notes field when depositing funds to the VMAA. Without details, it’s hard to identify payments, especially from personal accounts. Adding your club’s name and payment purpose (e.g., fees, loan repayment) will speed up processing. Club Events Get your 2026 event dates published on our website to help avoid scheduling clashes. Events Menu – Add Event | VMAA Upcoming Events 24 – 25 Jan 2026 Bairnsdale Glide In | VMAA 21 February 2026 Corangamite Annual Fun Fly | VMAA 7 – 8 March 2026 Action Scale Rally | VMAA 19 – 22 March 2026 Wang Jets 21 March 2026 Warrnambool FunFly Weekend | VMAA 17 April 2026 MONTY TYRRELL SCALE RALLY – 2026 | VMAA 18-19 April 2026 Blue Rock Float Fly 23 – 24 May 2026 Mid May Muster | VMAA 6 June 2026 Lake Bolac Annual Float Fly | VMAA 14 November 2026 “MossKosh” Annual Fun Fly | VMAA 21-22 Nov 2026 Brag Fun & Float Fly As 2025 wraps up, we want to thank you for your support, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Sport of Aeromodelling across Victoria. The positive energy in our clubs, the strong turnout at events & competitions, and the renewed momentum throughout the year have set us up for an exciting 2026. We’re looking forward to building on this success with more flying opportunities, continued club support, and initiatives that strengthen our community and the sport we all enjoy. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, a safe holiday season, and smooth skies ahead in 2026. The VMAA Executive Committee If you need additional information, please contact the VMAA Secretary at Secretary@vmaa.com.au.The next VMAA Executive meeting will be held on Thursday, 12 February 2026, 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. |