TCMAC 40th Seaplane Float Fly
Read about it below
The Valiant about to touch down with Heath Macdonald at the controls
Leslie Sawyer‘s Magnatilla is ready to fly.
Reflecting on;
Twin Cities Model Aero Club 40th Seaplane Float Fly
Written by Dan Davies
The Infinite Runway
It was only when I moved to Albury, NSW, a couple of years ago that I discovered the magic of float planes. At first, I was a bit apprehensive about taking flight from the water. Fellow members at TCMAC helpfully shared their advice and stories which only added to my reservations. But despite all of that my first flight turned out to be a revelation and I was hooked. It’s hard to put into words, but for me it was several things: the view across the water and the seemingly infinite runway, that feeling when you pull off a perfectly smooth water landing, or that moment on take-off where you leap into the air and leave behind a trail of sparkling water drops. Everyone has their own take on this but the one thing we float flyers have in common is that we love it. If you haven’t yet tried float planes, the annual TCMAC Seaplane Float Fly is a great place to start.
The Perfect Setting: Lake Hume
This year it was a bit special as it was the 40th anniversary of the event. As a result, it was one of our largest float fly events in recent years. The event, held on Lake Hume, a short drive from Albury, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop of nearby mountains and farmland. This vast body of water was an engineering marvel in its day and the dam was, at one time, the largest in the southern hemisphere. It is still very impressive. Each year the event can look a bit different due to varying water levels and this year water levels were down several metres from recent highs. This worked out to be a bonus since the flight line was far away from all tree line obstacles, the shoreline was clear, parking was easy, and the view was amazing. This event was held on the weekend of 4-6 October 2024, timed to ensure the lake has sufficient water.
The event
TCMAC’s annual float fly event is a fun event so once registered and after a short pilot safety briefing pilots are free to set-up and fly as much as they like over the weekend. Lucky prizes from the Bunnings money tree were awarded to pilots throughout the day who were in the air at “mystery” times. There was also a raffle with some great prizes from TCMAC sponsors. An opportunity was also taken to present MAAA Merrit awards to some TCMAC local legends, Chrissy and Gusty Gale and John Nicholas.
Burgers and Bonding
And there we were pilots from all walks of life, drawn together by our love for float flying. The event buzzed with camaraderie. The TCMAC canteen/kiosk became a focal point for meeting people while they served up egg and bacon roll breakfasts, sizzling lunches, and refreshing drinks. The lunchtime burgers drew rave reviews—fuel for both body and soul.
But beyond the food, I witnessed something profound: the power of community. How Club members worked seamlessly together in setting up and running the event. Little things like, transporting equipment, putting up tents, tables and chairs, and marking out safety zones. In those shared efforts, friendships deepened, and bonds formed. I learned that its activities like these that build a great club.
A backlit Magnatilla is a wonderful sight flown by Leslie Sawyer
Tim Nolan presents MAAA merit awards to John Nicholas, Chrissy, and “Gusty” Gale
John Nicholas’ new FMS Ranger
The twin cylinder Valliant is impressive in the air.
Thankyou for supporting TCMAC’s 40th Seaplane Float Fly.
Weather’s Whims
Ah, the weather—the wild card in any aviation adventure. As the weekend unfolded, a cold westerly wind swept in. For the larger aircraft, it was a mere inconvenience, but lighter planes danced with the breeze during take-offs and landings. Our “trusty” rescue boat stood ready, ensuring every aircraft found its way back to solid ground.
Beyond the Technical
Float flying isn’t just about aerodynamics and mechanics; it’s about people. TCMAC’s event reminded me of this truth. We are more than pilots—we’re a community. As we celebrated four decades of Seaplane Float Fly, I realized that our shared passion binds us. It’s the laughter, the teamwork, and the friendships that truly elevate our hobby.
So, here’s to the sparkling waters of Lake Hume, the infinite runway, and the joy of flight. May TCMAC’s legacy continue to soar, uniting like minded flyers across the waves.
For more information about the Twin Cities Model Aero Club and upcoming events, please visit us at www.tcmac.com.au or find us on Face Book, otherwise contact Tony Gyoles on zero41930419three.
More Information about the club
The Twin Cities Model Aero Club has served those interested in Aero Modeling in the Albury Wodonga area for over fifty years. Members of the club construct and fly all types of model aircraft. Our organization caters for a complete cross section of the community, the common interest being flying model aircraft.
For more information about the Twin Cities Model Aero Club and upcoming events, please visit us at: www.tcmac.com.au
or find us on
FaceBook
or here for directions
(vmaa club page coming soon)
or contact in person
Tony Gyoles on zero41930419three.
