General News
4 October, 2024
Aerobatic showdown poised to take off
Warracknabeal Aero Club and Warracknabeal Aerodrome are set to host the Australian National Aerobatics Championships this weekend.
Competitors will travel from all over Australia to compete in the championships.
This will be the first time the championships have been held in the area, the event being the precursor to selecting the team to represent Australia in the world championships.
Practice will start today, Friday, with competition operating from two sites on the runway and continuing over the weekend, and potentially into Monday if necessary.
According to national president Rod O’Niel, “Australian Precision Aerobatics Inc is a group of like-minded enthusiasts that design, build and fly radio-controlled model aerobatics".
“Our aircraft are generally two metres in length with a two-metre wingspan and a weight limit of 5.5kg," Mr O'Niel said.
"Most aircraft are predominantly electric powered."
The models are generally powered by electric motors and battery packs but there are a handful of nitro/methanol-powered aircraft.
"We fly at local, state and national based competitions, Australiawide, and regularly have international competitors attend out national events," Mr O'Niel said.
"This event at Warracknabeal is one of our most prestigious national events on the calendar and is a team trial selection for the Australian team headed to Muncie, Indiana, US, in 2025.
“The standard of flying will be good to exceptional.
“I believe, through experience, this event may attract 45-60 competitors.
"Nominations closed one month beforehand but it is often difficult to know final numbers until the weekend.
“The public are welcome to visit and view some exciting and spectacular flying performances but of course need to stay clear of the competition areas."