Possible restriction of model flying during World Cup

Lionel Brink posted this note on the MGA list today.

Hi everyone,

Please be advised that the CAA have issued notice of airspace restrictions that could affect RC flying.  This appears to be limited to airspaces within 5 NM of the stadiums were 2010 WC matches are scheduled to be held.  The full document can be found on the CAA's web site.

From Bob Skinner: "SAMAA management is in consultation with CAA, RAASA, Aero Club, SAAF, and SAPS. It might not be as bad as the first reactions. We will issue a communique as soon as facts have been established. Two issues are important: air safety during WC period (50nm radius), and stadium safety during matches (5nm radius). Authorities have allowed for relaxation/exemption, especially for scheduled competitions.

More information to follow."

Regards,

Lionel Brink
Chairman: Model Glider Association

The winning bid presentation for the 2012 F3J World Champs, submitted by the MGA

The whole Powerpoint presentation is here.

March issue of SAMAA News

The March issue is on the web site

Scale Nats dates -- Johan Ehlers

Please note that the Scale Nats will now run from 1 to 2 May.

2010 Control Line Nats -- Keith Renecle

The Nats was held once again at Barnstormers Model Flying Club this year, and we had a good
entry of 17 competitors. This is slowly getting back to the numbers that we had some years ago
at the old Northern Circle Burners site. The weather was good and everything was going
smoothly to plan and then the unthinkable happened. The father of one of our competitors, who
had allegedly driven through a stop sign on a quiet nearby road, was chased by the local Metro
police into the Barnstormers ground where they shot up his car and all the tyres out. Fearing
for his life, he managed to get to the parking area where there were many people. He was then
manhandled very badly by the Metro cops and bashed into a police van. By this time there
were 11 police vehicles on the site, together with an estimated 30 plus officers. All of this for
an unarmed 53 year old man who had allegedly skipped a stop sign! Some of us tried in vain to
stop the cops mistreating our friend. They were like a pack of absolute savages, and we were
all threatened with arrest if we said anything to them.

Complete report here in pdf form.