17/05/2026
The SADAC annual Memorial Day was conducted today at SADAC Field.
For several reasons there was a smaller than usual attendance but very good flying conditions made for a great morning for those there. The rain stayed away which was excellent.
Some general flying took place but, as always on this day, the Fly and Glide / Spot Laning event was a highlight. Basically, it is a flight where the pilot has to estimate a two minute flight duration with the flight ending as close as possible to a marker on the strip. The engine / motor must be cut prior to the final approach. Points are taken for each second off two minutes flight duration and each metre away from the landing marker. It is an easy event to participate in, easy to run, and creates a lot of friendly, fun involvement.
Today, Neil Brewer arrived without a plane and without intent to enter the comp but Stephen Green insisted Neil (and young Jack) fly his plane in the comp. Stephen may not be so kind in future - Neil won it! Congratulations Neil! Stephen Green 2nd (got downgraded by a (rubbish!) rule that if anything falls off the plane in flight, you get default worst score - the battery cover came off during hand launch), Ian Byers 3rd. The Jack Hirst Memorial Trophy was presented to Neil.
Some very enjoyable combat flights then ensued. There were no major disasters, numerous streamers were cut and a huge amount of fun was had, including for a RAAF visitor, who normally flies R/C interstate, and who was provided a model to fly and had a great time in two combat sessions. He is likely to embrace SADAC for flying during his 2 year deployment to RAAF Sale. We look forward to it.
This day includes some presentations. At the presentations, SADAC President, Ian Byers reminded the attendees of the intent of the day, being to remember those who had passed away during active membership of SADAC.
The Ron Cook Memorial Trophy is presented to the Member who has been considered to have made a particularly good contribution to SADAC over the year. One Member has, for years, been making an ongoing, and hugely beneficial, contribution to SADAC largely by all the curating of the short grass areas of the field. He spends countless hours on the mower to maintain excellent surfaces for us all to use. Additionally, all manner of maintenance and other things are attended to by Graham Duck, the long outstanding and worthy recipient of the trophy.
Congratulations, Graham!
Some years ago, Graeme Jackson donated the SADAC Achievement Award being a lovely Cessna Citation model suitably mounted. This is not an annual or other regular award - it is to be presented as considered appropriate. On this occasion, it was easily considered that winning a World Championship at fourteen years of age is hard to go past! So, Seth Huntingford is the latest recipient of this award. Seth and Chris are presently at the Victorian F3A State Championships in Bendigo so he was not available to accept his trophy on the day.
Congratulations, Seth! :)
As always, big thanks to Barry Coughlan for again running the spot landing comp along with his assistant, Phil O'Malley.
Further thanks to Neil Brewer and Graham Duck for cooking our lunch on the BBQ. And to Ceiri Byers and Maureen Males for the cakes and muffins!
Thank you to all who were there.
Regards, Stephen Green.
