It's taken a while, but a local flying club is finally up and running
. Where I live in Northwest Tasmania, clubs are few and far between, primarily because of the weather, but also due to a general lack of LHS's and resources. The internet has helped, but what was needed were people prepared to get out there and do it. A newly arrived local businessman has started stocking parts and kits as a sideline to his IT repair work, and slowly, slowly, things are gathering momentum. We formed the club after he met me during an aerial display with my combat planes at at "Steamfest", a local historical country fair. He is mainly into heli's, as is most of the club ( about 10 people now) with only 3 of us flying fixed wings. It's also a mix of glo and electric, and ages range from 12 to about 55. Our flying field is in amongst farm land, with mountains in the backgound, and numerous watercourses....very picturesque. I have offered my twin engined sailplane as a trainer, and there are moves to provide a trainer heli as well. The runway is close to being finished, but is pretty well usable as it is. Fees are $120.00 aud, 80 of which is for the national affiliation, and the remaing 40 for club fees and sundries. A couple of beginners have already dropped in for a look
The only other club within 200klm's is primarily glo orientated, not big on heli's, and "don't fly electrics very often"
. Even though I can fly fron home whenever I like, and I dropped out of the club scene some years back due to the clique mentality and narrow mindedness of so many of the members, we are really going to make an effort to welcome newcomers, encourage beginners, and have a good a time as possible
The colourfull character in the photo below is Mark, one of the primary motivators of "Steam fest", holding my Me 262. We are looking at providing a ,bigger better display next year, now there will be club backing. Full steam ahead
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