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NZMAA Affiliated.
Last updated 24 July 2010
Current membership: 17

Click here for a LIVE weather report from Tokoroa and a 10-day forecast

FLYING STATUS 25 JULY
Are we flying this weekend?	Yes, come join us
For an update or confirmation, ring (021) 1131962

OS#7 glow plugs now available at cost price
El Presidente has secured a card of genuine "all new design" OS#7 glowplugs for those who need some spares. They're about $12-$14 (plus shipping) in the shops but these are available "at cost" which works out around $8.50 each. Supply is limited so grab one or two next time you're at the field if you need them.

Notice: Access earthworks in progress
Note that the council is performing earthworks at the airfield and that means the old gate onto the airfield-proper with the unsealed roadway is no longer in use. The only access will be by way of the gate across the sealed roadway by the Hot Rod club (first sealed road to the left after you can actually see the runway when driving in).

It seems as if we might be having something of an informal RC model fly-in this weekend, since the weather forecast (touch-wood) looks so good.

So, if you're looking for somewhere to fly and don't mind the drive to Tokoroa, you're welcome to come and join us for some fun, flying and good company. Email or ring us if you want more information or confirmation closer to the day.

If you're keen, we might even do some "learn to fly 3D" stuff.

Glow, electric, petrol -- it's all welcome.

Bring a jacket and a thermos of hot drink, this is Tokoroa and it is winter after all!

From the May 8/9 Jet meeting

There was a small but enthusiastic turnout to our May Jet rally with plenty of exciting flying to be had in the light winds and not too cold temperatures.

Here are some videos from the weekend that are worth a look. Just a reminder that if you want to see all the latest action from the SWMAC, you should subscribe to XJet YouTube channel.

What a great autumn!

After a fairly lacklustre summer, the members of the SWMAC have enjoyed a glorious autumn, at least as far as the weather goes.

The calm, fine weather has just kept on going and this has produced a good turnout of fliers in teeshirts right through.

Richard has bought himself an electric-powered jet that he test flew on the jet weekend, despite suffering major foreign-object-damage before it was even at the field. It flies well.

Barry's Alpha-One jet also flew pretty well until the ground got in the way -- but it's on the bench and being repaired -- it will fly again!

Since going solo last month, Bob has been spending a lot of time at the field and practicing his landings. He's getting pretty good now, that's great to see.

Even old "legs-up Lance" has been seen flying recently. First he came out and had fun with the boys hovering their profiles and then he flew his electric Trojan at the jet-meeting (although it did hit a tree -- but we won't mention that -- oops, too late!)

Here's some video taken by Richard a few weeks ago.

ANZAC 2010 Jet Meeting

Feb 12, 13 and 14 saw the 2010 ANZAC RC model jet meeting held at the Tokoroa Airfield with an excellent turnout, despite some rather variable weather.

Here is some video from the meeting:

Welcome to 2010

Members of the SWMAC have been flying regularly over the festive season despite the occasionally blustery winds.

Here is el-presidente's beautiful "Flying Trainer" doing a low roll -- a little too low as it happens but good luck lightning fast reactions saved the day.

You can see the whole thing in this video:

Richard was not so fortunate when radio failure took out his Mentor -- burying its nose deep in the hill adjacent to the runway.

A modest but enthusiastic turnout on Boxing Day saw Ben from Taupo, Mike from Tauranga, Egmont from Putararu and the Tokoroa locals enjoying fine weather and warm temperatures.

Unfortunatelyt he wind did pick up a little in the arvo which resulted in Mike's Skyraider biting the dust on takeoff -- there's just nothing you can do when a sudden gust of crosswind blows your model across the field like a rag-doll.

Richard also had a "moment" that will see him rebuilding his Skyraider Mach 2 and a good time was had by combatants and spectators alike when we ran a couple of rounds of RC combat later in the afternoon.

Steve from Putaruru is getting back into flying and came out on Sunday with his LazyBee and a glider that just needs covering. He hasn't flown for a decade but a couple of minutes on the club trainer showed that he hasn't forgotten anything.

New member Bob also got some more training time under his belt and after a hesitant start was soon handling the brisk cross-wind with ease.

And, if you're a local in the South Waikato area who has been given an RC model plane or helicopter for Christmas, come on out and see us. We'll be glad to lend a hand to help set up your new flying model and show you the basics if you need help.

And speaking of fun... here's more what we got up to recently...

A Notice To Airmen regarding the Tokoroa Airfield
Any full-sized pilots intending to fly into the Tokoroa Airfield at any time would be advised to read this advisory

It has become apparent that an increasing number of pilots are ignoring the good practice of performing an overhead rejoin and flying the full circuit prior to landing at Tokoroa. This is not a sensible option and we request that the excellent safety record at this airfield is preserved by good, commonsense practices from both the model and full-sized aviation communities.

Pay your subs over the Net!
Those who want to pay their 2010/2011 subs by internet banking can now transfer their payments directly to the club account via internet banking.

Remember, full subs are $70, affilate subs $20.

Please include your name and NZMAA number with your deposit so we know who's paid what.

Here are the details:

Bank	KiwBank
Account	South Waikato Model Aero Club
Account number:	38-9003-0715926-00

The SWMAC Welcomes all model fliers and interested onlookers
The SWMAC flies from the Tokoroa Airfield in Moffatt road Tokora most Saturdays and Sundays -- and quite a few week-day evenings as well when light allows.

Our active membership includes model-fliers from all round the South Waikato district, including Tokoroa, Putararu, Matamata and surrounding areas.

We're extremely lucky in having the use of a full-sized sealed airstrip of some 850m in length for our flying activities. Fortunately, this strip sees only a few full-sized aircraft per day so we get almost free reign. We're also more than happy to share this strip with any other NZMAA-affiliated fliers that might be passing through or want to come visit.

Learn to fly RC model aircraft
For members of the public and those wishing to see why RC model aircraft are so much fun we have two trainers with dual controls available. We consider it our job to introduce potential new members to the fun of flying RC models and there's always a member or two willing to answer questions or help out those requiring more information.

On an average flying day you'll find everything from those club trainers, stand-off scale and aerobatic 3D models through to an RC helicopter or two on our field. And, every now and then, you'll even find a few jet-powered models streaking across the sky when visiting fliers drop in.

Use the menu at the top of this page to find out more about us.

Pictures from the SWMAC flying field