Club member Ray Chapman test flew his new Old Timer today with great success.
Ray purchased the Value Planes kit from local retailer Albury Models and Hobbies to give himself something to do whilst in lockdown and it has come up a treat.
The Cloud Walker 65 is powered by an OS 25 and is the perfect combination. So with another “Old Timers Day” coming up in spring, now is the time to make your own purchase and be ready to putter around TCMAC’s Parker Field.
Just go ask Ray what he thinks, and if you’re not sure who Ray is, he is the one with the big smile on his face.
This TCMAC Club event is held annually to remember a valued member who had passed away in 2011.
Craig was renowned for his long flights, so this event is a good way of remembering him.
It is primarily a fun event to remember a member and good friend.
The aim of the competition is to fly for as close to 30 minutes without the aid of any timing devise. Points are deducted for every second over or under 30 minutes.
Pilots may fly solo or as a team.
This years event was delayed from March, the usual Month due to the conditions placed on us due to the current health problems griping the Country.
The 2020 Competition held on Sunday June 7th attracted 16 entrants. Flying was delayed due to the early fog, the first flight taking off at around 11am. Very quickly 6 aircraft were in the air, the maximum allowed.
Timing results for the entrants ranged from 6 minutes and 1 second to 37minutes and 45 seconds.
The winner this year was Geoff Williams with an amazing (unassisted) time of 30 minutes and 8 seconds.
Second place went to Blowie with a time of 28 minutes and 51 seconds.
Third place to Charlie Kuljurgies with 31 minutes and 42 seconds. Charlie beat the team of Tim and Mat Knight by 1 second !!!!
Congratulations to TCMAC member Phil Collins who today obtained his Bronze Wings.
Under the guidance of Chief Flying Instructor, David Balfour, Phil undertook his Bronze Wings test today and passed, dare we say, with flying colours.
Phil is a regular at the field so keep an eye out for him and congratulate him on his achievement. Its alway great to see our members improving their skills and enjoying this awesome hobby of ours.
Well today saw the first of the concrete pours with the area between the clubhouse and the Pits being the first to go down.
The pour started at about 6:30am and the guys finished up at about 3pm.
As you can see it is looking awesome and will be great to see the members sitting at tables under big umbrellas solving the worlds problems in the near future.
The next pour is scheduled for this Thursday with the Pit area and starting boxes to be done.
Well the start of the new concrete work for the Pit area has begun with a working bee held after flying today.
It took about 2 hrs to pull up the old matting to allow the concreter to begin work on Monday.
Thanks to all those that came out and gave up their Sunday morning to help out, especially Alwyn who used his ute to transport the old matting to its new home in the club tip.
Construction will commence from early Monday, please note that tradies will be in attendance for a few days, so please be aware of that when deciding to go flying or not.
With the relaxation of restrictions about to commence across the country, the VMAA have approved, and NSW State regulations allow us, to start flying again from Friday 15th May.
HOWEVER
New rules will apply to ensure everyones safety and these need to be strictly adhered to or the field may again be closed .
Rules to note:
Please take note of the COVID 19 social distancing requirements / hand sanitiser / washing hands. These rules are still very much with us.
Sitting in the Beer Garden would be permissible, it’s outdoors. Mind you, it’ll be a bit chilly. The clubhouse itself should not be used. As COVID 19 restrictions are quite clear in regards to the number of people allowed inside, it is best that the rooms are not utilised at present, thus avoiding excess number of people huddling around a fire. If you need a coffee between flights, consider bringing along a thermos from home to avoid using the kitchen facilities.
The NSW government has set a limit of 10 people at outdoor venues which, we are confident that we can accommodate as follows:
10 people max in the Western end of the Pits for pilots using the main strip;
10 people max in the Eastern end of the Pits for pilots using the #2 strip known as the Electric strip ( now complete with shade sail) &
10 people max at the Control Line circles.
As we are open for FLYING so, if you don’t bring a model and intend to fly, then it’s best to stay home. We don’t want flyers arriving and find the area full of people out for just a chat.
Visitors have to be discouraged.
TCMAC as a Club must do the right thing. No choice there.
IF we have a touch of beautiful sunny Autumn weather over the weekend, it would be reasonable to suggest that the normal weekday 9-5 workers be given priority. After all, most of us can fly any day of the week.
It seems that if Australia stays on track, rules will be relaxed even more in a matter of weeks.
The IMAC guys refuse to let a global pandemic from holding an IMAC competition. This weekend we are running “Virtual Echuca IMAC 2020” online from our own lounge rooms.
We all fly our IMAC sequences on an RC Simulator, mine is Real Flight 9.0, and video it on a mobile phone, then upload it to a Facebook event page, “Virtual Echuca IMAC 2020”.
Judges are selected from the pilots that have entered the competition, as per usual. The flight is scored on paper, photographed and uploaded to the competition director’s private FB messenger.
All scores are entered into the computer as per normal and uploaded to the ASAA website.
Today we all had two flights, the first had to be uploaded before 11 am, the second by 3 pm. Tomorrow we will fly the final round before 11 am. We also ran a freestyle round, just for fun.
Freestyle is judged on likes (1 point) and loves (2 points) received. Although nothing like attending a “reality world’ competition, it does bring us together to practice our passion in a competition like environment. IMAC in general.
Being an active member of the IMAC community for the past 3 1/2 years has improved my flying skills and developed many new and close friendships.
We meet roughly once a month at various flying fields including Parkes, Cootamundra, Echuca, Wangaratta, and many more. Last year’s Nationals were in Dalby, Qld where 10 planes from Victoria were transported in two trailers allowing the rest of us to use domestic airlines to get there.
IMAC is a lot of fun and highly recommended to any RC pilot. The “Basic” class can be entered using any type of plane, like a trainer etc. Higher classes require a scale IAC plane.
We have TCMAC booked in for a competition on 27-28 June, but still unsure whether we will be able to run it yet.
For those of you who have not heard about John Lamont’s online magazine Australia Model News, we have set a link to the magazine for TCMAC members to be able to read the latest issues as well as the back issues.
You will find the details by clicking on the link in the main menu area on the home page titled “Australian Model News”
I hope you find this new feature useful and I am sure you will find the magazine very entertaining.
It is with deep regret that we advise TCMAC members of the passing of club stalwart Barry Kilpatrick aka Baz aka Hairy.
Barry passed away overnight in Melbourne after suffering complications around his recent heart surgery.
As a club, and friends of Barry, we pass our condolences onto Josie and their family.
No public funeral will be held at this time due to the Covid-19 restrictions, however, a service and wake may be held at a later time, and all members will be advised.
Today we competed in a socially distanced IMAC competition. All done online in a fb event page.
We had 17 pilots enter the first ever ‘Virtual Wings over Wang’ IMAC competition.
34 flights were flown and judged today, with 17 more tomorrow.
Day 2
Our ‘Virtual Wings Over Wang’s IMAC competition was a great success.
We all video taped our flights on rc flight simulators, and then uploaded them, with our name, class and round number to a Facebook events page.
The pilots who were rostered to judge, viewed the videos of the class and round as per roster. I had to judge round 1, sportsman yesterday, and round 3 advanced today.
All scores were sent via private messenger to the contest director, Scott Bardney.
The scores were then transferred to the IMAC computers as per normal and will be uploaded to the Scale Aero’s website https://www.scaleaeros.com.au/
Thanks go to Scott, Darren and Jon for setting this up with very little notice.
NO Flying & NO entry to Parker field for socialising
Hi All, the best advice I can get is that we have no option but to close Parker Field, effective immediately. Despite being located in NSW, I am lead to believe that, as we are VMAA affilliated, we must comply and, it is likely that this directive will remain in force for some weeks.
The VMAA, with whom we affiliate have notified that all fields are to be closed:
Quote from the VMAA notice
As per Victorian State Government direction https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus as of midnight 25 March 2020, all social sport-based activity was to cease. Based on this advice, the VMAA has no choice but in directing all clubs to close until further notice. If any club member has any concerns with the above, you can contact this office via your club secretary. Naturally, as soon as we have any news / updates, I will contact everyone immediately.
This means lots of building / detailing / repairs. Hopefully the website will be inundated with contributions to ” What’s on the workbench”. Email David Tulk dtulk@tpg.com.au with a description & pictures and he will load them onto the website.
VMAA Event Notification COVID-19 Alert Number 7 Closure of all Victorian Clubs Hi All
The current public health issues and the recommendations from the State and Federal authorities on allowable and recommended activities are for the wellbeing for all. The virus is a serious matter, and we all need to take appropriate action to help our clubs and communities to win the battle over the long term.
As per Victorian State Government directionhttps://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus as of midnight 25 March 2020, all social sport-based activity was to cease.
Based on this advice, the VMAA has no choice but in directing all clubs to close until further notice. If any club member has any concerns with the above, you can contact this office via your club secretary.
Please contact the VMAA Secretary by clicking the following link: Secretary@vmaa.com.au
VMAA Event Notification COVID-19 Alert Number 6 Hi All Due to the current public health issues and the recommendations from the State and Federal authorities on allowable and recommended activities, the following upcoming events have been either postponed or cancelled.
From the MAAA – Instructor Re-qualification Courses – All current Instructor re-qualification courses have been cancelled and the deadline for instructor re-qualification has been extended to 30th June 2021.
The VMAA Trophy Weekend (18 to 19 April 20) – Based on the current circumstances and guidelines from Federal and state governments, the VMAA Committee has cancelled this event for 2020
VJAA CLUB FLYING DAYS SUSPENDED – Due to the latest restrictions imposed by the Government to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus ALL VJAA Club Flying Days on the 2020 Calendar including this Sunday, 29 March at Mangalore have been Suspended until further notice. VJAA Committee hopes all members stay safe and well during this pandemic and will keep you updated on any further information.
Micthell Fixed Wing MC – The president and committee have no option due to the COVID19 virus but to postpone the glider tow and fixed-wing fly in that was to be held on the Anzac day weekend. Hopefully, it will be held later in the year, we wish that you all have a healthy year and we all get back to flying soon
Victorian Pattern Association – Have postponed the Victorian State Championships Scheduled for the 16th and 17th of May at the Bendigo clubs field to a date to be decided in due course.
Twin Cities MAC – Following events have been Postponed. 13 Annual Autumn Scale Rally 1 to 3 May AND EDF Fun Fly, 23 to 24 May.
From CIAM via the MAAA – Considering the current situation with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and in order to protect the health and safety of the entire CIAM community, we regret to announce that all CIAM sanctioned events are suspended as of tomorrow, for 30 days i.e. (To Monday, 20 April 2020).
All clubs should likewise assess the developing situation and the VMAA will assist with distributing any updates if required.Members should check the VMAA Calendar (Click here) to review. Contact the Club/SIG to determine when the event will be rescheduled when circumstance and conditions change for the better.
Please contact the VMAA Secretary by clicking the following link: Secretary@vmaa.com.au
A few hardy TCMAC members ventured away to the mountains last weekend for the annual TCMAC Porpunkah weekend hosted by the Bright Aero Modelers’.
We all set off from different locations and times but ended up at the picturesque Porpunkah Airport mid-morning to be greeted by a stiff 25 klm wind. The only saving grace was that it was straight down the runway.
Some of the less adventurist among us (me included) were content to leave the models in the car and observe how it was done by the IMAC boys who had come along. Beechworth Bob also braved the conditions and put on a great display of Cub flying (sometimes backwards) and STOL capabilities.
As most of the ladies had been dropped off in Bright to shop, and after a magnificent lunch put on by our hosts, the flyers (and non-flying chickens) were able to enjoy a slow-paced afternoon in preparation for the obligatory evening drinks.
4:00 o’clock saw the flying draw to a close as some were getting thirsty and it was arranged to meet at the rear of the motel for some light refreshments before venturing off to the local Pub for a meal.
Some of the Wang boys joined us at the motel and again for dinner where much mirth and merriment were had, along with some tall and very tall tales told.
Sunday morning dawned and we met for breakfast and then out to the field for a quick fly before heading home. Upon arrival the conditions were found to be perfect and we hastily prepared our models for flying. We did have a Para Glider pilot to keep us company for a while, but all courtesies were maintained.
All in all another excellent weekend away, if you haven’t been on this trip before, consider it next year, it is an awesome experience.
VMAA Event Notification COVID-19 Alert Number 4 Hi All The public health recommendations being issued by government and health organisations are obviously likely to affect many upcoming club activities of the coming weeks. Based on the above, the following events have been cancelled or postponed:
Wangaratta Aero Modellers wishes to advise, due to the declared pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, the committee has decided that the planned Wings Over Wangaratta (IMAC) to be held on Sunday, March 28 to 29 Mar has been postponed. It is hoped to reschedule the event later in the year if at all possible.
Twin Cities MAC It is with regret that we advise the 50-year Club Celebrations (28 Mar) will be postponed to a later date due to the COVID-19 Virus and the implications it poses on the event. This decision has been made due to the uncertainty as what limitations the Government may impose over the next few weeks regarding permissible event crowd numbers.
The OMP Scanner Race (Bendigo) to be held on 3 May 20 has been CANCELLED
All clubs should likewise assess the developing situation and the VMAA will assist with distributing any updates if required. Please contact the VMAA Secretary by clicking the following link: Secretary@vmaa.com.au
Hi All The public health recommendations being issued by government and health organisations are obviously likely to affect many upcoming club activities of the coming weeks. Based on the above, the following events have been cancelled or postponed:
P&DARCS wishes to advise, due to the declared pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, the committee has decided that the planned Monty Tyrrell Scale Rallythat was to be held on Sunday, March 22 has been CANCELLED. It is hoped to reschedule the event later in the year if at all possible.
Wangaratta Jets It is with regret that we advise that Wangaratta Jets (23 to 26 April) will be postponed until October due to the COVID-19 Virus and the implications it poses on the event. This decision has been made due to the uncertainty as what limitations the Government may impose over the next few weeks regarding permissible event crowd numbers.
Echuca MMAC Committee has decided to postpone the Fun Fly (4 to 5 April) until later in the year. However, the field will be opened and if pilots wish to attend at their own discretion are welcome. Camping facilities are available but there will be no canteen facilities. The club will abide by the current government directives.
All clubs should likewise assess the developing situation and the VMAA will assist with distributing any updates if required. Please contact the VMAA Secretary by clicking the following link: Secretary@vmaa.com.au
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, it is more important than ever that we follow directions and advice from health authorities and governments. This is not to say however we cannot continue to participate in our aeromodelling activities. We all, however, must consider our fellow club members and practice safe hygiene and preventative practices. The fact the average age of our members is within the vulnerable age sector, makes it more imperative we all are extra vigilant and cautious.
Clubs and members will have to consider their own individual circumstances however, the following suggested information is provided to assist in protecting yourself and other members; allowing all to continue to participate.
Hygiene: Clubs should endeavour to supply hand cleaning material or better still, members should bring their own.All members should adopt good hygiene practices when associating with members.Members should not use communal cups and other kitchen utensils. Bring your own, you know the health of those who have used it previously.Members should wash hands after opening/closing club locks doors, refrigerators etc. Avoid touching face and mouth before doing so.Avoid personal contact with members i.e. do not shake hands.Consider not supplying food i.e. Barbecues, communal meals. Ask members to bring their own.If supplying food members should wear gloves and possibly masks to prevent contamination.Do not sneeze or cough over food or other members.If you have any of the Coronavirus symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or difficulty breathing) – self isolate and don’t attend the flying field until you are feeling better.If suffering from any other illness or chronic medical condition, consider not attending the flying field.Increase hygiene/cleaning of facilities in club toilets.
Club Events: Consider cancelling if it involves attendance of members from other clubs or the public.Consider postponing large events.Recommend members bring their own food and drinks etc.Member with Coronavirus symptoms should not attend.
Members Returning from Overseas: If returning from overseas – self isolate and do not attend the flying field for at least 14 days. Stay home and work on your models.If mixing with family or friends that have returned from Overseas – self isolate and do not attend the field for at least 14 days.The above suggestions are not exhaustive, and clubs must implement other preventative procedures they consider appropriate.
All clubs are individual incorporated organisation and can make their own rules and policies. Clubs may consider putting in temporary rules to enforce any action deemed necessary to protect members.
As the situation around the Coronavirus changes rapidly, all members are advised to take a moment and think of their own safety and health concerns and act appropriately.
Whilst the club and airfield remain open, it is your decision as to whether or not you wish to attend the club at this time.
At this point in time, all scheduled events at TCMAC are still going ahead, but the Committee will make final decisions on these as those events get nearer and/or the situation changes.
Please be mindful that many of our members are in the more vulnerable group so if you are not well, please consider not attending the club.
VMAA Event Notification CONVID-19 Alert Number 2 Hi All The public health recommendations being issued by government and health organisations are obviously likely to affect many upcoming club activities of the coming weeks. Based on the above, Western Port MAC and Warrnambool MAC have advised of the following:
Western Port MAC wishes to advise, Due to the declared pandemic of the CONVID-19 virus, the committee has decided that the planned WOW3 event for March 29 will be cancelled.
Warrnambool MAC wishes to advise, Due to the declared pandemic of the CONVID-19 virus, the committee has decided that the official planned Clubhouse opening event for March 21 will be cancelled. However, those pilots that are still interested in coming along, the field will be available all weekend (21/22 Mar) for a fly.
All clubs should likewise assess the developing situation and the VMAA will assist with distributing any updates if required. Please contact the VMAA Secretary by clicking the following link: Secretary@vmaa.com.au
