Model aero club accused of trespassing

Print

Model aero club accused of trespassing

3News NZ

Model planes at

Model planes at

There are two rules at the South Waikato Model Aero Club in Tokoroa.

  1. Don't be an idiot.
  2. Have fun

They are good rules, but something has gone wrong.

Last week, the club was issued with a trespass notice by the council.

It appears, a YouTube clip is to blame. It shows a model plane crashing into the control tower.

Today, the council and the Civil Aviation Authority met to discuss the situation.

Remember, this was a model plane so what is going on here?

Anna Burns-Francis went to find out.

Watch the video for the full story.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

24/11/2012 9:40:17 a.m.

William Jansyn wrote:

USA, Illinois, Chicago Way to go guys, that's democracy in action. Send the old farts at MF packing. I know from whence I speak, I live in Chicago, one of the most antiquated and restrictive RC locations on the planet. If you live in Chicago and you want to fly RC you go to Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa or Indiana. And the Chicago area economy looses millions of dollars in business as a result. I love your videos and have learned a lot from you guys. I hope everything turns out well for you guys in the end. Best of luck!!!

16/10/2012 3:26:30 a.m.

Sampey wrote:

yup, fun police, model flying clubs should take note, this is why your memberships are declining! people like me and my mates prefer to fly alone or in informal groups in parks or wherever, because this sort of crap goes on in clubs! Why pay to have a membership for nothing and not just no support but active attack on our amusement? Why fly at a designated site we have to pay for when we dont need to and doing so makes it harder to enjoy the hobby? Bloody idiots killing the hobby for the rest of us!

11/10/2012 4:15:37 a.m.

Harry Nicholson wrote:

I discovered the SWMAC in early 2011 while I was battling cancer. Their sense of humour & ability to have so much fun together was uplifting to say the least! The way they have been treated of late is an embarrassment to all of New Zealand. We have some dopey beaurocrats in Canada for sure, but what has gone on down there would result in a few lynchings here without a doubt. Good luck & keep flying to the folks at SWMAC! You brightened some very dark days for me.

28/08/2012 12:36:38 a.m.

Glenn Williams wrote:

What a waste, the people of MFNZ and SWDC should hang their collective heads in shame, that is after they have resigned from the positions that they are so poorly filling in. How can you ban a man from flying when it is not only his hobby but his obvious passion. He has single handedly put Tokoroa on the map and has introduced thousands to inovative and clever ideas for our hobby and sport. Now that these people have pulled the chair from under him and left him hanging, what does he do? How can people do this to a person and not feel shame or guilt? There is something very wrong in South Waikato and in the Model Flying New Zealand. The world is watching and judging!

22/08/2012 10:10:01 p.m.

Jeffrey Oldham wrote:

Are these council members really getting paid ? What a joke. They don't even know why they shut the club down. The National areo body is only going on reports , maybe they all should have sat down and disscused the situation before making fools of themselves in front of the whole world...

16/07/2012 8:35:07 p.m.

Russell wrote:

This is just simply ridiculous and disgraceful. Bruce Simpson is famous around the world and done more for Tokoroa than probably any single other person or organisation including local council. Many people visit NZ after viewing his informative utube videos. Minority sports and pastimes are a continual unfounded target in this country. Unfortunately, it’s not the first time that established clubs have been banned from model flying facilities by one or two grumpy, uptight people that ruin the whole enjoyment of the hobby sport for many. Perhaps if local council encouraged small clubs and organisations society wouldn’t have the social issues we have today!

9/07/2012 7:24:45 p.m.

Steve wrote:

I can't believe some of the pathetic 'justifications' that the fool from the council attempteed to come up with. It is people like him and the fun police at the national body that make me glad I fly at my local park where I can and will do whatever I want.... I have so much fun at my local park that I should probablyl be thrown in jail for gnerating such high enjoyment levels in a public place.

3/07/2012 7:37:39 p.m.

the DR wrote:

whot the F---

29/06/2012 8:13:02 p.m.

david wrote:

The only reason I would travel to Toloroa is for model airplane flying in its wonderful airport and hardly any full size aircraft using it at all. Of course and for Bruce Simpson's expert advice in electronics and radios. Each time, it took me 5 hours of round trip driving from Auckland. In average, each full day of flying there, I only experienced one full size airplane took-off, or landing. What a big waste if SWMAC is not allowed to use this airstrip for model flying ! Hundreds of take-off and landing by model airplane vs one take-off and landing ! I think the District Council should find out how many full size airplane take-offs and landings on a daily basis. If model flying is banned, it's a waste of public money to maintain and monitor an airport like that...

29/06/2012 5:38:35 p.m.

Sean wrote:

The true agenda has come out: Post 4711 from the NZ Jet List: ___ ********To all Current Jet Flyers******** A couple of weeks ago the Chairman and Secretary of the NZJMA requested myself and Brian Borland to head a sub committee to resolve the current situation we have with the South Waikato Model Aircraft Club. We have been working tirelessly to ascertain a resolution, however it has now reached the point where we need to take a stronger stance. The ideal situation would have been for the SWMAC to resolve their internal issues (and you can rest assured, they do have some) so that we could remain associated as we have in the past. This unfortunately is no longer an option and the SWMAC president has posted on this list comments which confirm the same. On Monday 25th June The following team met with the South Waikato District Council: Barry Lennox – President MFNZ Dave Wright – Secretary MFNZ Dave Hodges – Secretary NZJMA Stuart Hellyer – Sub Committee NZJMA Brian Borland - Sub Committee NZJMA Don Waters – Civil Aviation Authority The response we received from the council was very positive and a strong indication of their desire to have us still use the Tokoroa airport for our regular meets and events. Regardless of the comments you may have read in previous posts that we may not be welcome, I can assure you we are. The council have indicated they will not consider anything for SWMAC until they satisfy ALL requests of the MFNZ and gain their approval. So, where does this leave us?? The following action plan has the full support of MFNZ, SWDC, CAA and the Chairman and Secretary of the NZJMA, and we feel this is the best avenue to benefit us all: The NZJMA applies to the MFNZ to become a registered club. MFNZ affiliation fees may be paid through the NZJMA or associate memberships will be available. A minimal membership fee would be applicable and a figure of say $20.00/ annum was discussed. The NZJMA will still remain as the jet turbine SIG and be a respondent to the MFNZ for this role. The NZJMA makes application to the MFNZ and CAA to register and establish operating procedures at Tokoroa airport. CAA indicated at our meeting the level of support they can potentially offer, such as decreased height restriction, appropriate flight envelope and relevant notification to aviators of our presence in aviation documents. During our discussions with the SWDC, the NZJMA requested access to the site up to 8 weekends a year including the 3 day ANZAC event plus one weekend day of each month. This was positively received. The SWDC are very receptive of the interest we bring to Tokoroa. The NZJMA would have a representative on the SWDC airport user group. This would allow us to work directly with the other airport users and develop a harmonious relationship between ourselves and the SWDC. If we go ahead with the above proposal we should be able to get fully operational within a month, hopefully earlier, but we need to know if this is the path the general interest group are prepared to support. An online poll will be established shortly where you can indicate your preference. The vote will be anonymous and shall run for about 3 days. This is the most beneficial way we envisage how we are going to retain the flying site for the future. I want to make it perfectly clear. Throughout our discussions we have had the interests and longevity of the SWMAC at heart and this is in no way to be considered as an attempt to damage or replace the SWMAC. We hope they are able to resolve their issues and continue as a local Tokoroa club.