Page 5 - MFW March 2024

Presidential Ramblings
Chris Jackson
MFNZ President

This will be my last Presidential article, having recently Our record of safety, and our proven ability to essentially
handed over the reigns of Model Flying New Zealand. manage ourselves under our CAR102 certificate, are key
Upon my resignation, MFNZ council unanimously voted to keeping them. When things go wrong, we report them
to elect Kevin Botherway into the role. Congratulations to and fix them. We know the rules, and we follow them…
Rowdy, the organisation is in good hands. and when we don’t know them, we go find them!

I'll remain on MFNZ council as the Prime Person for One thing that has become particularly apparent when I
MFNZ, making sure we remain compliant with the look at how the last few years have gone is that we all need
regulation, and gradually transition that role over. After to realise that we all have a common goal – making sure
that i’ll be available to the council in the new roll of that flying model aircraft remains viable now and into the
Immediate Past President (IPP) for guidance and future. Without model aircraft, we don’t have any future
counselling! Pilots/Engineers/Astronauts… and even if we do, they are
severely stunted!
The sport/hobby/religion of Model Aircraft worldwide is
under significant stress, mostly due to the regulation. My main goals for my term at the wheel of MFNZ were -
Regulatory burden is becoming the norm internationally, 1 - Sort out the looming regulatory nightmare on the
with unfortunately little justification – Model aircraft are not horizon and put the organisation in a place where it
the problem. can remain functioning, and people can keep
enjoying model aircraft with the greatest freedom
I am happy, and confident, with where we currently sit and possible.
how we are placed going forwards. I followed up Jonathan 2 - Get more young blood into MFNZ
Shorers hard work, putting significant effort into getting the
organisation the privileges it now holds. Looking at what Goal 1 is essentially achieved. Goal 2 has not been
we currently have as members of MFNZ and comparing achieved, but some massive strides have been made on
that to our international kin… I’m sure there is some the way (FREE FEES!!!), so I hope the organisation can
jealousy there! capitalize on that on future with things like STEM
programs.
We can fly –
• Above 15/25kg Behram Bajan and myself will be manning the MFNZ
• Within 4km of aerodromes display at Warbirds over Wanaka over easter weekend, if
• Without registration/levy and Remote ID you are attending the airshow be sure to come say Hi!
• Without external licensing
• Shielded BVLOS Thanks for the past 3 (nearly 4) years, it’s been good! I
• At Night know not everyone has agreed with some of the steps we/I
• Above 400ft have taken during my time at the helm, but I am hedging
my bets that in a few years everyone sees the rational and
What we need to ensure is that we keep these privileges. is thankful that those steps were taken.
Other international organisations have lost them due
some poor decisions and a lack of oversight. Thanks again, it has been a privilege,
Chris Jackson

Aggy at the 76th Nationals 2024

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