And the dedicated aviation hobbyists are now preparing for their annual Fun Fly, with dozens of model planes on display and in the air above the club’s airfield near Koroit.

Club secretary Geoff Watson said the two-day event offered something for everyone.

There will be visiting enthusiasts from other clubs around the country, while the aircraft themselves will include twin-engine models and some with wingspans of almost three metres.

Mr Watson, 70, is typical of the local club members.

He has been flying model planes since he was about eight years old and now owns 15 — of which six or seven are ready to fly at any time.

“I’ve always liked aeroplanes,” he said.

“It fills in the time. It’s a good hobby for me. You’ve got to use your brains.”

Mr Watson said the club had about six members in their 80s and the oldest was 92.

He said the Fun Fly was an excellent day for children and people who came on the first day often returned for the second. The club also has a trainer plane for those who want to give it a try.

The Fun Fly is on Saturday, February 28, from 10am till 5pm and Sunday, March 1, from 10am till 3pm at the old Koroit racecourse off the Koroit-Woolsthorpe Road.

There will also be a barbecue lunch and drinks available over both days.