The club is a long established Melbourne based radio control model aircraft club. It was formed in the early 1980s by a small group of modellers who wanted to enjoy each other’s company whilst pursuing their common interest of flying model aircraft and exploring all facets of the hobby, without the pressures of competition.

This objective is unchanged today and we pride ourselves on our tradition of training new members and introducing them to the same pleasures of building and flying their own aircraft that SEMAC members enjoy. We are therefore by definition a “sport and training club” but at heart we do what we do because we get joy from seeing our creations fly, and the ability to control our creations from a hand held box is still wondrous. We see no need to prove we can fly faster, higher, better or more accurately than the next person - we maintain our enthusiasm without competition.

This is not to say our organization discourages members challenging themselves to improve their flying skills or tackle a difficult project. All members have the entire skill and experience base of the club freely available to help them achieve their goals. To see a beginner go “solo” or to witness the successful first flight of a new creation brings great pleasure to all, and these events are much celebrated.

We fly a wide variety of model types from sport planes, gliders, IC, electric, scale and many others. However we do not allow special interest or splinter groups. We are primarily a ‘fixed wing club’ but members may also fly quadcopters. Turbines and Helicopters are not permitted under the conditions of our lease and council permit.

Our common interest creates enduring camaraderie within the organization, strong friendships are made and the social aspects of discussing events and experiences are as important to members as the flying.

Our “statement of purpose” is well summarized in our constitution which reads:

“The objects of the club are to foster and promote the art of radio control model aircraft, to organize and encourage good will to all that become associated with the club, and to develop the construction and flying skills of its members”.

If the above appeals to you, then SEMAC may be the club for you.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Under Our Greater Dandenong Council Planning permit we must adhere to

• Monday to Friday – 7:00am to 30 minutes after sunset (as determined by the Bureau of Meteorology); and

• Saturday to Sunday and Public Holidays – 9:00am to 30 minutes after sunset (as determined by the Bureau of Meteorology)

The field is closed on days of total fire ban. Click for Fire Plan

MEETINGS

General Meetings of the club are held at the Dingley Village Neighbourhood Centre in Marcus Road, Dingley. The meetings are on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at 7:30pm. Visitors are welcome. Members often bring items of interest, particularly aircraft they are building.

The AGM is held in August each year.

TRAINING

Training is undertaken on Sunday mornings between 9 am and 12 noon. Each new member will receive the MAAA Trainee Pilot Log book, which will record their attendance and guide them through the training process so that learning is fun and the necessary proficiency is achieved before being permitted to fly solo at SEMAC.

Note: Junior membership requires that a parent or guardian accompanies them and will supervise them at all times while at SEMAC field and/or while being instructed. Refer MAAA MOP041 for further information.

Prospective new members from other MAAA affiliated clubs who wish to join SEMAC will also need to attend minimum of 4 Sunday training mornings during which time an instructor will certify their current MAAA rating and insure they understand the requirements of flying at SEMAC field. This time is also a period where they can get to know other members and can be orientated with all SEMAC by-laws and flying procedures.

Click for SEMAC Constitution