Page 36 - MFW Dec 2024

On the 2nd of October, Sean and I flew out of Wellington
into Melbourne, after months of preparation for the 2024
APAC Championship. After landing, we were relieved
when we picked up the models undamaged, and were
able to start our drive to Warrackabeel, 5hrs West of
Melbourne. Along the way, we were very glad to have the
support of Russell and Charlie Edwards, who we stayed
with for a night. They acted as a base for us over the week,
allowing us much appreciated workshop space in the
‘man cave’ to put the models together. This allowed us to tarmac runway, and was the perfect place to host the
be refreshed and rested for the drive ahead, and leave our competition. While standing ready to fly, we could see the
boxes safely with them. massive wind turbines close-by, giving us an indication of
how windy the area gets. After model processing, we were
The next day we were only allowed two practice flights at nearly the last ones to do our two ‘official’ practise flights at
the competition field, otherwise we’d be ‘disqualified’ the competition field, squeezing it in at the end. Although it
(aussies love making crazy rules). So, we decided to was windy, it was super smooth to fly in. We did our
practice at the Bendigo Club, and met up with Mark Hu, practise flights with the Australians overlooking at the
Richard Hirst and Brian Dooley. Our good friend, the wind, sidelines, quickly seeing the kiwi fliers were going to be a
was crazy at Bendigo, extremely strong turbulence. We threat. After returning to the accommodation, we had the
‘manned up’ and toughed it out, getting a few flights in. It official pilots briefing at the pub, where even more rules
was good to get flying again, we flew as late as we could, were put in place.
before leaving for Warrackabeel. We arrived late in the
day, but weren’t there for long, leaving early the next The next day came around fast, and marked the first
morning, driving 2 hrs back to Bendigo. During the 2hr official day of the competition. The field was busy, with 37
drives back and forth we got very used to seeing contestants across 5 categories. Two flight lines were
thousands of acres of wheat and barley fields, flat land running, with about 1km between them, making the
and straight roads, but it was worth it to get more practise competition very safe for the models. Sean and I were
than we would at the competition field. Bones (Aaron flying in the FAI F3A P and F category. The wind was still
Garle), Mister VLV Contradrive (Mark Hu), and Daniel blowing strong, Sean and I were flying monoplanes, which
Wheeler had flown from Brisbane, meeting us at Bendigo, really suited the strong winds. There was chaos going
before travelling to Warrackabeel. between flightlines, trying to organise callers and models
between such a big distance. The AeroClub made us feel
When we arrived to the field at Warrackabeel, we could very welcome, and provided amazing lunches. After a day
what a fantastic place it was. The field had a full-sized of flying, I was leading and Sean was 5th.

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