14.03.2025
Dear Members,
Autumn has been just magnificent for flying. I hope everyone enjoys the settled weather and is getting to visit other clubs or just enjoying their own club.
One of my goals as president of the VMAA is to encourage more membership and promote club events so that everyone can enjoy the company of other aeromodellers doing what they love. Our clubs are safe spaces for members to visit, fly their aircraft, enjoy the company of others, and enjoy the sport in general. They are not a place for members to abuse other members. This behaviour will not be tolerated, and I hope anyone who is a victim or a witness to this kind of behaviour reports it immediately to a club committee member or to a VMAA Committee member. Bullies will always be bullies and they are not welcome at our clubs.
On a brighter note, this is the latest news from the committee:
FREE Online Seminar – 18 March 2025 – Creating and Promoting a Great Flying Event
Andrew Sill from Sill Marketing is hosting a free online seminar on how to create and promote a great flying event. This is targeted at all clubs who want to learn how to run and promote great events. Open to all members. The online seminar starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday 18 March. Please register your attendance here:
VMAA Seminar Registration – Events
MAAA Blanket Area Approvals
The MAAA have successfully negotiated blanket area approvals with CASA for clubs within ‘G class airspace’ (Which is basically uncontrolled airspace under 1200’ AGL). This is a huge game changer for clubs across Australia. The MAAA will now be responsible for issuing our area approvals. There are still some clubs that will require an instrument from CASA due to their unique situations (i.e. at an airport or in a flight path). State Associations will still compile the applications.
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. We cannot get around this roadblock, but in most cases the same information is available on our website at
VMAA | Victorian Model Aeronautical Association
FW25 / RW25 Heavy Model Applications
If you believe you have enough experience to become a FW25 / RW25 HMI, you can apply online at our website. You do need at least 5 years’ experience with FW25 or RW25 aircraft and your club’s blessing to apply. Here is a quick link:
HMI Applications | VMAA
VMAA Sporting Grants and Try Fly Grants
We are encouraging clubs to run events and try fly days. There are grants available to assist member clubs in running both. Located in the members area of the website (Password – see your email).
VMAA Sports Grant | VMAA
VMAA Try Fly Day Grant | VMAA
Club Listings
Just a reminder for those clubs who have still not listed their club on the VMAA website. You can do it here: Find a Club – Add your Club | VMAA . If you need assistance doing this, please contact us.
Junior Membership Program
Another reminder that the VMAA is covering the VMAA/MAAA fees for first time juniors. More details here: Get off the PC and Get Into RC | VMAA
From the Registrar
A reminder for Club Registrars or Secretaries to review their club’s information on the MAAA database and update it, especially if your club has recently had an AGM and the office bearers have changed. All members need to check their wings ratings on their MAAA issued licenses to ensure they have the correct rating.
Any database or member registration queries can be sent to Ian, at registrar@vmaa.com.au. If any club needs help with updating their information, or any other help please contact me.
SAFETY ALERT – LIPO Fires
We are still hearing about instances of LIPO fires. Please make sure you are charging batteries in an open space away from flammable materials. Don’t leave a charging battery unattended and have a fire extinguisher close by. Consider fitting a smoke detector near your charging areas.
Upcoming Events:
- 15/3/25 Warrnambool Model Aircraft Club Fun Fly Warrnambool Model Aircraft Club FunFly | VMAA
- 18/3/25 Free online SeminarVMAA Seminar Registration – Events
- 23/3/25 Show Us Ya Stick & Buy Swap Sell at Golden Planes MAC Show Us Ya Stick & Buy Swap Sell | VMAA
- 28-30/3/25 Avalon Airshow Avalon Airshow | VMAA
- 30/3/25 Ballarat Radio Model Flying Club Trawalla Fly-In BRMFC Trawalla Fly-In | VMAA
- 5-6/4/25 TCMAC Autumn Scale Rally TCMAC Autumn Scale Rally | VMAA
- 5-6/4/25 VMAA Festival of Flight & EMMAC Fun Fly VMAA Festival of Flight & EMMAC Fun Fly | VMAA
- 11-13/4/25 Monty Tyrell 2025 Scale Rally Monty Tyrrell 2025 Scale Rally | VMAA
- 25/4/25 Hamilton Model Aeroplane Club – Warbirds 2025 Hamilton Model Aeroplane Club – Warbirds 2025 | VMAA
- 25-27/4/25 Blue Rock Float Fly 2025 Blue Rock Float Fly 2025 | VMAA
More events can be found here: Events from February 16 – June 7 – VMAA
Until next time, Safe flying
Tony Wilson
VMAA President