Swan Hill Model Aero Club invites you to its first fun fly event for a long time, where flying model enthusiasts can come along and show off anything radio-controlled that flies.

No competition, no stress, no worries mate.

SHMAC Down! (I didn't make up the name so that's why it sounds pretty cool).

April 21-22 at the flying fields, Blackwire Road, 4km outside Swan Hill in NW Victoria.

Hosting the Australian Electric Flying Association Fun Fly for the past 11 years, SHMAC is going through a revival, and is keen to establish an annual fun fly event of its own. This will help build interest in the hobby, and more importantly, make visiting flyers welcome and let them sample the great climate we locals enjoy (almost) every day.

Looking at the VMAA calendar, there aren't many free weekends, so we’re not trying to compete with other events, just provide a stress-free event to relax and have some fun.

Registration is free, the food is cheap, and relaxation guaranteed. We even have free camping, hot shower, toilet facilities and SHMAC will run a canteen on site, plus organise Saturday dinner, BBQ breakfasts etc.

Please contact me on bmyers@shmac.com.au for more info...

This unseasonal windy summer weather has been a !

During the 10 days I had off over the silly season, I managed a few good flying sessions, but generally the weather has been ordinary. Now back at work for nearly two weeks, last weekend was a write-off with a dust storm, rain and thunderstorms.

Even before and after work has been too windy - 12-15 knot winds for days on end. That's normally September weather for here! Living here all my life, I've never seen so many windy days - since our blown-away electric fun fly in mid-October, I reckon we've had two good weekends.

So here we are, 12 days into the new year, and only two flying sessions. The forecast is ok for the weekend - finally! - so looking forward to a big afternoon session on Sunday.

Makes me appreciate all the poor buggers out there who have to travel to their flying fields, or have windy conditions all year round! Somehow they survive, so I better stop whingeing...

One aspect of this hobby I haven't really got 'into' is the constant upgrading/tinkering/modifying. I've just wanted to load up the planes and fly. The weather being what it has been, it's forced me to check everything more regularly, make improvements and make sure stuff is in good form.

Gotta be a plus side I suppose...

We're still working on a 'anything that flies' fun fly for April 21-22, so will start promoting that shortly when all the crew are back on deck and we can actually get a decent flying session in and some beers to enahnce creativity.

Have a good one.

Went out early this morning with the trainer, thought I'd put the ipod on the side to video the flight.

Bloody hot day - was 27 degrees by 7am going for 42.

The explanation in the vid tells the story...

RC trainer flying at SHMAC (12 min 55 sec)