From the Chair

RAFMAA News Letter – Chairman’s Words (Jul 07)

As I write this period’s Newsletter, the sky outside is heavily overcast and grey and it has been raining overnight (again) with more on the way.  For nearly the middle of July this isn’t good!  The weather has been the main topic of conversation when I have actually managed to get onto the flying field and things don’t look like improving too much.  That is except for the 21/22 July 07 when wall to wall sunshine will be the order of the day for the RAFMAA pre-Champs fun fly-in, honest.  All RAFMAA members should have heard about the event via their Club OICs and through this site.  I encourage you all to come along and get some practice in or just to enjoy the acres of airfield at Waddington that we are lucky enough to use.  Contact Flt Lt Andy Rogers via the details on the site.

We had a major success with the RAFMAA Warbirds 2007 event over the Easter weekend.  You may have seen the excellent article published in RCM&E and AMI magazines.  We attracted in the region of 60 pilots from all over the country, including some of the top show pilots and the current UK Top Gun Champion.  The array of ac on display and in the air was superb and covered WWI right up to the present day.  Saturday night saw indoor electric RC flying and a magnificent BBQ.  My thanks go to Paul Bellingham, Dan Platts and Garry Chiles for the organisation and running of the event.  Seeing my picture in AMI magazine, I must say that the High Viz vest is a must for the wardrobe.

There are still more competition events to be held and the thermals will be taking place soon.  Contact Lee Wilson for the details, again via this site.  Planning is well underway for the main Championships at RAF Honington from 30 Aug to 2 Sep 07.  This will incorporate the AGM and several socials.  Again, the event is there for the Membership so please do come along and take part.  The atmosphere is always friendly and low pressure and you don’t have to compete, although you would probably enjoy it.  I know I did at my first Champs.  Even if you can’t stay for the whole event, I would urge Club OICs to attend or be represented for the AGM.

On the policy front I am completing my review of our Charter with a view to securing the future of RAFMAA in terms of membership in these changing times.  On that note, I have again approached RNMAA to see if they would wish to join us and the Army have contacted me as they are attempting to set up their own Association.  The BMFA continues to occupy some of my time as your Area Chairman and representative at the Areas Council, and Martin Paffett’s as our BMFA Delegate to Full Council.  If you have issues that you would like addressed by the BMFA then let me or Martin know directly, or through your Club OIC.

That’s all for this time so I hope the weather has improved somewhat and that you are getting some flight time in.  I suppose the upside has been even more time to build so every cloud has a silver lining.  Until next time, be safe.

 Wg Cdr

RAFMA Chairman

email: rafmaa-chairman@rafmaa.co.uk

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