When it comes to having fun, the sky’s the limit for model plane enthusiast who will take flight near Koroit at the weekend.
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Warrnambool Model Aircraft Club is holding its annual Fun Fly event on Saturday and Sunday with aerobatic and sports models just some of the planes ready to take off.
The event, which attracts plane enthusiasts from across the region, will also allow some spectators to have a go at flying a training plane.
Club secretary Rod Mitchell said that a couple of times during the weekend all other planes would be grounded so a volunteer from the audience can take the controls – depending on weather.
The plane’s controller will be linked to a second one so that if the novice flyer gets into trouble it can be switched back to a club member who can save the plane from disaster.
“There’s an open invitation for anybody to come out and have a go anytime,” club president Harry Knights said.
He said the training plane would be available for anyone who wants to join the club and learn how to fly – however, they would eventually have to purchase their own which cost anywhere from as little as $200 up to tens of thousands.
For those keen to see the planes in action, gates open on Saturday between 10am and 5pm, and Sunday between 10am and 3pm and is located about three kilometers out of Koroit along the Koroit-Woolsthrope Road.
New club rooms and a workshop have recently been erected after the old one failed to pass a Moyne Shire Council inspection 18 months ago.
The club received $20,000 from the shire’s Community Assistance Fund, and $10,000 each from the Uebergang Foundation and the Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation. The club also chipped in $3000.
“It is going to be the flashest club. We’ll be the envy of a lot of clubs,” Mr Mitchell said.
However, the club still needs $40,000 to fit it out with new kitchen and bathroom facilities, and is hoping the new facilities will attract new members.
“There’s always a good percentage in these sorts of clubs who have an interest but it’s more a social thing. They’ll come out and have one flight but it’s all about the social, and this will allow that to increase dramatically,” Mr Mitchell said.
“There’s nothing worse than coming out to fly and you’re the only one here.” Mr Knights said
