Strathalbyn Radio Control Model Aircraft Club
Introduction
The Strathalbyn Model Aircraft Club (SMAC) was founded in 1977.
Initially, the club flew radio control (RC) model aircraft at the Langhorne Creek oval, but moved to the current model airplane flying field just outside Strathalbyn in 1997.
Members build and fly all sizes and types of RC model aircraft - fixed wing aircraft, gliders, electric ducted fan (EDF) jets, turbine jets, drones, helicopters and floatplanes. Scale and non-scale aircraft.
The club values camaraderie, fun and safety.
SMAC is affiliated with the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA) and Model Aerosports South Australia (MASA).
Flying Field Location
167 Langhorne Creek Road (B45), Strathalbyn, South Australia 5255.
The GPS coordinates are -35.26422325058576 : 138.91441583633423.
From Strathalbyn, follow the B45 towards Langhorne Creek. The flying field is on the northern side, just outside Strathalbyn.
Members can fly 7 days a week, weather permitting.
The flying field is locked when not in use.
Facilities
The flying field is large and open, and is suitable for all types and sizes of aircraft, from small electrics to large aircraft and jets.
There are two runways, one oriented North-South, the other East-West, so pilots can fly in all wind directions. There is an Astroturf runway on the N-S runway for smaller aircraft.
The clubhouse is located next to the flying field, along with a car park. The pits area is between the car park and flying field. There are shelters and workbenches in the pits for pilots, gear and smaller aircraft. Gazebos can be erected to cover large aircraft. Starter restraints for aircraft are provided.
Membership
The following 12 month memberships are currently available:
- Junior (<18yo)
- Full (adult)
- Pensioner
- Affiliate (for full members of another MAAA club).
Please refer to the current membership application in the Downloads section below, and contact the club for more information.
Visitors and New Members
Visitors are very welcome at the flying field.
Visitor pilots must be members of an MAAA-affiliated club.
For safety, visitors who are not pilots are not allowed in the pits area, or on the flying field unless they are accompanied by a member.
Trainer aircraft and a computer simulator are available for visitors who would like to have a go at flying RC aircraft with an instructor.
The club has experienced pilots and instructors who can train new members or assist existing members to improve their pilot skills.
Events
SMAC holds two main events each year:
- Noel Wenzel Memorial Fun Fly in April;
- John Watters Memorial Scale Fun Fly in October.
These events are open to all MAAA members.
Please refer to the Upcoming Events section below and the MASA calendar for event dates.
From time to time, the club hosts fundraising events. For example, in May 2014, an airshow was held at the flying field in conjunction with MASA to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
SMAC members also compete in local competitions and participate in events at other clubs in SA and interstate.
Indoor Flying
The club hosts indoor flying on the first Saturday of most months in the gymnasium (Inbarendi) at Cornerstone College, Mount Barker.
Small, lightweight electric models made from foam are flown.
This includes scale and non-scale models.
Indoor flying is open to all MAAA members with suitable aircraft.
Visitors and spectators are welcome.
Please refer to the Upcoming Events section below.
Building Model Aircraft
There is now a plethora of Almost Ready To Fly (ARF) model aircraft available that can be quickly assembled and readied for flight. These are usually manufactured from: (i) foam, or (ii) plywood/balsa and covered with a heat-shrinkable membrane.
Some club members still design and/or build their model aircraft the traditional way, from plans and kits using balsa and plywood.
If you are interested in building RC model aircraft, become a member, we have experienced builders who can help you build RC aircraft.