General News
23 February, 2024
Small planes to hit big air
CAMPERDOWN’S Racecourse will be soaring to new heights this weekend for Corangamite Model Aircrafts Club’s annual Fun Fly weekend.
In a first for the Camperdown-based event, electric planes will be flying over the course of the weekend.
Corangamite Model Aircrafts Club president Foster Taylor said new things in the world of model aircraft usually hit urban areas first but will still catch the attention of attendees.
“Electric is taking over quite quickly because most people today don’t really understand how to run motors,” he said.
“With electric, all you have to do is charge the battery and go and fly.
“You don’t have to tune a motor up and know how to run a motor.
“It’s also a lot cleaner; you don’t get any residue coming out of the exhaust, so you can just put it back in on the back seat of your car and you don’t get drip residue. You don’t have to cart fuel around with you.”
Model aircraft enthusiasts will come from all over Victoria, from Melbourne to Warrnambool, and will include fliers from South Australia.
Enthusiasts can expect to see many aircraft models over the Saturday and Sunday, with around six expected to range between two and a half and three metres in wingspan.
Mr Taylor said the new electric models are “another field”.
“I like motors, so I’m not going to race out to change to electric,” he said.
“I enjoy running internal combustion engines, but you can see today with people who don’t come across motors all that much.
“You can see why electric’s really taking over.
“The power you’re getting out of these motors – the development in the last five to 10 years is just phenomenal.”
Gazebos will be set up at the site in the centre of the Camperdown Racecourse, with food and drink provided.
The club invites those who may be interested in model aircraft to talk to members of the club on the day.
The Fun Fly runs across both Saturday and Sunday between 9am to 6pm. A gold coin donation on entry is required.
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