The South Waikato Model Aero Club

NZMAA Affiliated.
Last updated 1 Feb 2012
Current membership: 32
Current world-wide virtual membership: 178

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

FLYING STATUS 4/5/6 FEBRUARY
Are we flying this weekend? Jets on Fri-Sun, Club flying Monday

For an update or confirmation, ring (021) 1131962

It's Waitangi Weekend

The ANZAC international jet meeting will be held at the Tokoroa Airfield from Friday 3rd of February through to Sunday 5th Feb so there won't be any club flying on those days.

However, the forecast for Waitangi day (Monday) is good so we'll be flying in force -- come on over and join in the fun.

An RC plane for Christmas?

We regularly get people turn up to the club with models or RC gear they've bought on auction sites such as TradeMe and for which they have paid far, far too much.

Some of the models are most unsuited to the role of teaching you to fly and many are ridiculously overpriced.

If you're looking for an RC plane and radio control equipment then please be aware that, thanks to the strong NZ dollar, you can buy a good 8-channel computer radio for a little over NZ$100 and a good learner's model for about $150 -- all brand new!

Most of the "new" stuff sold on TradeMe has at least a 100% markup on the actual price and many of the models are cheap and nasty.

Please contact us or come out to the club for a visit BEFORE you spend any money -- it could save you a small fortune to get some real advice from people who are actually flying (rather than selling) these models and RC gear.

However, if you've just unwrapped a new RC plane or helicopter this Christmas and you want a hand getting into the air, please contact us -- we'll be glad to assist and chances are that we'll be out flying on Boxing Day (26 December).

A Note to locals with model planes

If you have a model aeroplane or might be getting one for Christmas and are thinking of learning to fly it -- please contact us and don't try going it alone. Please also note that you can't fly your model at the airfield without proper supervision and without belonging to the SWMAC.

The airfield is used by full-sized aircraft and for their safety, there are strict rules and restrictions on the use of model planes at this location. To avoid any incidents and so that we can help you learn to fly your model plane with the least risk to the model and others, please email us or ring to arrange a time when we can assist you to get into the air.

Virtual membership offer

If you'd like to become a "virtual" member of the SWMAC then now's your chance.

Yes, if you want to show your support by being a virtual member of the SWMAC, just leave a comment on this video.

Note that becoming a virtual member gives you no rights or privileges but if you're ever in this part of the world you'll be able to drop by on a Sunday and join the guys and girls of the SWMAC for a coffee and a chat.

Kiwi Probro 2011?

Check out the fun from the 2010 Kiwi ProBro and let us know if you'd like us to do it all again in 2011.

Notices to members

When driving down to the go-karts end of the flying field, please keep to the left, against the drain and well away from the hangars. This will avoid wearing a track through the grass and keep vehicles away from any aircraft that may be by those hangars.

Also note that if you're a smoker -- take your butts with you. Bob, Barry and I picked up a whole shopping bag full of this crap from around the flying area.

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 $75, 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