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The GMAC Club in 2006
The Greensborough Model Aircraft Club (GMAC) is based at Yarrambat Park,
which is the Shire of Nillumbik's precinct for minority sports. Our members,
young and young-at-heart, are from a diverse range of backgrounds, occupations
and share a common passion in model aviation.
GMAC is a not-for-profit-organization and our modest annual membership fees
are based on a break-even principle. The fees provide for levies by state
and federal regulatory bodies, maintenance and minor improvements to the site,
administration of the club's affairs and a small margin for contingencies.
There is a one-off joining fee, and pro rata payment is applicable for the
first year's membership. Junior and associate membership is also available.
Our club is a first class recreational facility and considered as one of the
best flying fields in Australia. The grass runway and taxiways show the
benefits of regular maintenance and grooming - despite the efforts of the
local kangaroo and rabbit populations. Our modern club house has a kitchen,
toilets, its own water supply, a solar powered pump, and a generator for power.
A large undercover BBQ, outdoor seating and a small children's play area create
a family-friendly environment and plenty of space for social activities.
Access to the club facilities is by a security key. These facilities are
open to members seven days a week, all year round. 'Wet' fuel powered
aircraft can fly between 9.00 am and dusk; we can operate electric aircraft
prior to 9.00am. While the club is especially busy on weekends, we fly most
days of the week, weather permitting.
Our Members
Our club averages around 180 flying and non-flying members.
Most members have a long-term affiliation with the club, while shorter-term
memberships of a few years can be a reflection of work commitments, family
interests or life-style choices.
One of the most obvious characteristics of our club is our non-competitive
ethos. Most of our members prefer casual and social flying at the site,
a culture we accept and encourage. This laid-back approach to the hobby
is underpinned by strict adherence to safety standards.
Many of our members do participate and excel in competitions run by special
interest groups such as jet flyers and the Scale Association. From time to
time GMAC hosts some of these events.
The Aircraft We Fly
GMAC recognises that many new club members join the club without the
necessary skills to fly aircraft safely, especially in the company of other
flyers. Our Code of Practice is that no one flies 'solo' without a designated
instructor until they are competent with the fundamentals. We assist new
members gain the required skills via free lessons given by our volunteer
instructors.
There are many different types of model aircraft: fun-fly or sport aircraft
of all shapes and sizes, contest aerobatic planes, gliders, scale replicas of
full size aeroplanes, helicopters, jets and the occasional flying saucer or
flying dog kennel. The most common type of aircraft at the club is the 40-90
size 'fun flyers' or sports type. An increasing number of aircraft, especially
those owned by newer members, are of Almost Ready To Fly construction.
There are also groups of electric and helicopter flyers; occasionally we fly
control line aircraft. A small group of members who fly jet aircraft prefer
a sealed runway for their very expensive, high performance machines.
There is little activity in slope or thermal soaring, free flight and pylon
racing, reflecting the combination of our site topography and our members'
interests.
Where To Find Us
GMAC welcomes inquiries and visits from people interested in our hobby.
Our flying field is in Yarrambat [Melways 184 E4], a semi-rural area just
outside the northern bounds of Melbourne, Victoria. Yarrambat Park is home
to a variety of activities such as fishing, archery, horse riding and pistol shooting.
The entrance to the park is off Yan Yean Road, Yarrambat. The main car park
is adjacent to the trotting track and the park picnic area. If you haven't
pre-arranged to meet a club member, leave your vehicle in the car park and
walk about 700m down the dirt road to our flying field. Let the sound of our
aircraft be your guide.
Your Safety Is Paramount
GMAC has an excellent safety record because we take this responsibility
very seriously. It is important that you and your family comply with safety
signs and directions offered by members.
We ask that you please:
Remain behind all fences.
Not stand on the road at the end of our runway where the models will
be flying very low.
Not enter the fenced off pits area unless specifically invited.
Keep your pets on a lead at all times.
(Our planes are fragile, but their engines are quite powerful and have
razor-sharp propellers spinning at very high speed.)
Our Future
Our Vision Statement expresses our desire to preserve our current
values but also articulates our aspirations and hopes for the future.
"GMAC is recognised as an exemplary club, with strong community links,
actively promoting aero-modelling in its neighbourhood, providing members
with a safe and convivial flying environment to enjoy a range of flying
interests, with superior facilities and member services."
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