About
First Incorporated 29/4/1988
Caulfield Racecourse Flying Club Inc. members have been flying model aeroplanes at Caulfield Racecourse Reserve (CRR) for more than 50 years and RC models from about 30 years ago. The Club was incorporated 29/4/1988 and has from even before then, enjoyed sanction by the Trustees. Although the current regulations do not reflect it, the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Regulations for the Care, Protection and Management of the CRR v. Aug 1994, Reg. X1, acknowledged us as the controlling body for flying model aircraft powered by internal combustion engines (ICEs).
Our club is affiliated with Victorian Model Aeronautical Association (VMAA) which is affiliated with the national Model Aeronautical Association of Australia Inc.(MAAA). The Reserve is an approved flying field. These bodies closely monitor their affiliated clubs for safety and compliance with Civil Aviation Legislation and also provide our members with liability insurance cover including supervised visitors
The hobby, now recognised as a sport, has changed a lot over the last few years with improved radios, electric power, advanced materials and very sophisticated technologies. It is an excellent hobby for all ages encompassing a huge range of sciences, technologies and skills:- Aerodynamics, meteorology, radio communication, material sciences (glues, fabrics), constructional engineering, electronics, satellite global positioning, gyroscopy, reflex coordination, distance spatial orientation, video cinematography and first person vision just to name a few.
Unfortunately, almost all municipalities in Melbourne, including the City of Glen Eira, have prohibited the flying of models of any kind in parks and other recreational areas, and have neglected to set aside any areas for our sport. The CRR is an ideal area. It is large and our flight envelope is well separated from residences by a buffering zone of tracks, car parks, stables, roads, and rail lines. It is ideally located close to the city centre and well serviced by public transport which suits junior members. The area is always very thinly populated. It is for these reasons we want to maintain our sanction and the best way is to be seen as a properly structured club as stake holders.
Our club has been identified before (Friends of the CRRR Inc.) as the second largest organised group after the Melbourne Racing Club to use the CRR. Our members are mature and responsible persons and our club is happy to regulate flying at the site for safety. We do not fly on race days or during morning hours when horses are training.
Although not yet excluded, we do not fly ICEs (fuel), only electric models.
We fly in the NE corner of the inner area using the bitumen path as a smooth tarmac for some models and the airspace above for procedural manoeuvres for fixed wing aeroplanes, helicopters and quadcopters and drones.
Under Association Law you need to apply for membership, pay the joining and annual fee. The Membership Committee will advise you of acceptance or return your fees. A form is below.