Hmm... things are certainly a bit confused. It seems that what the MAAQ are saying isn't quite right, yet. Flying from a field is definitely out in the next stage of restrictions, but not for us just yet. I'll have to get clarification first, but we really can't simply throw away what the MAAQ has said.
Gbar, I'll forward you what the MAAQ president has sent out to members directly, as I know you're not getting them.
For those that aren't getting the emails direct from the MAAQ President, this is a cut & paste from my emai because I can't provide a link:
Dear All,
COVID19 RESTRICTIONS
This is a challenging time for everyone given the current global threats to our health and financial wellbeing.
Due to the rapidly evolving situation (and likewise rapidly changing government directives) up until now we have been providing ad-hoc advice to members and clubs to simply follow the relevant government directives. This has resulted in several different approaches by clubs based on their particular circumstances.
It is worth noting that the MAAQ does not have power to direct you to “close” your club. However, we think it is worthwhile to provide the MAAQ’s view to clubs regarding what is currently permitted in these present extraordinary circumstances. Likewise, we think that clubs that may inadvertently breach the public health directives could cause reputational damage to aeromodelling – as such, we ask that all members and clubs “do the right thing”.
The latest Queensland Chief Health Officer's directives (enforceable by law) are now clear with respect to confinement to home and non-essential travel. In essence, the directive is as follows:
All people must stay in their homes except for:
1. shopping for essentials - food and necessary supplies;
2. medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements;
3. exercise with no more than one other person (unless from your household);
4. providing care or assistance to an immediate family member;
5. work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
It is the MAAQ’s view that visiting your model flying club to go flying will breach these directives. Likewise, congregating at your local club is also unacceptable. It is our view that all clubs should now be shut, and all operations suspended. We urge all clubs and our members to follow the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
Some of our members have queried whether travelling to their club can be regarded as “exercise” and an exemption from the above travel restrictions. It is our view that this is NOT the case. Such a view is contrary to the intention and spirit of the Chief Health Officer’s directions. The wording used in the directive explicitly states that persons “must not leave their principal place of residence except for, and only to the extent reasonably necessary to accomplish… to engage in physical exercise”.
It is our view that this is intended to allow you to go for a walk around your local neighbourhood etc. not travel to your local model field to go flying.
One further point requires clarification. We have been asked about whether the MAAA insurance policy still covers you in the current circumstances. Yes it does. If you are fortunate enough to have your own flying facility "in your backyard" and the use of the facility satisfies the other requirements of the MAAA MOPS you will continue to have the benefit of the MAAA liability insurance. However, I once again refer to the public health directive limiting gatherings to not more than two people and urge our members and clubs to do the right thing in these circumstances.
This is a trying time. If you can, take advantage of the opportunity to build a new model or do some maintenance (most of our hobby shops are more then happy to help you out with some mail order deliveries). I look forward to holding some fantastic aeromodelling events when the current challenges are behind us.
Regards
Michael Hobson
MAAQ President
This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity named above only & may contain information that is highly confidential and privileged. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and not approved by the MAAQ committee.
Is it still possible to fly at the field if we are the only person there?
Reading between the lines. ..of the previous post it would seem that it will be OK to fly providing there are no more than two people and we stay aware of our social distancing regulations....also I was informed today we may be breaking the law simply by driving down to the field as it may not be considered essential. I have been getting mixed messages on this matter.... Can someone please give some (factual)clarity to this situation so that members know what they can and can't do..on this website if possible......Also can someone explain why we DO NOT USE our Warwick Aero Modellers website as our main form of communication..ALL communication needs to be done through our dedicated WAM. WEBSITE..texts are great in an emergency. ...but club Websites are set set up for the Sole Purpose of an easy (One Stop Shop)for communication between Members as opposed to a text here and a text there, and also as way of inviting new members into our club. .This is where prospective members look ..to see what our club has to offer....if there's plenty of action on the site it will look much more attractive.I know club days are marked on the events calendar ect..but general announcements are are a great place to maybe put a little more emphasis on club happenings...Its a really beautiful website ....something to be proud of. .....having got that off my chest...I just want to say after talking to JR, I am thinking about another SPAD project....JR has suggested one model.....I am looking at another , a little smaller 48inch span 46 engine. .simple design. ..hi wing trainer to suit newer pilots.. but could also be pretty quick for pylon., Could probably be electric if wanted.Like to get hold of some 2mm or 2.5mm white corflute and put a couple of ribs in for strength....although I think this particular plan would be OK with 3mil.....but lighter would definitely be better for electric.
Kennyglide, I'm not willing to give you written permission in case I get it wrong. There is a chance that I could be held liable. Things are changing frequently as well.
At the moment, please read the
Queensland Health website for information about if you can fly or not. It's not real clear, but tennis and golf are allowed, with restrictions.
The club cannot allow 'gatherings' to occur. A gathering is referred to as more than two persons.
Please refer to
Home Confinement requirements in Queensland for information on travel restrictions. This talks about 'physical exercise'.
The MAAQ are recommending that we close our fields. They cannot direct us, as we are all individual incorporated bodies. The choice is ours to make. At this stage, the field is not closed.
I know this is a frustrating time for all, as we don't have a clear answer for our particular case. Is flying a 'physical exercise'? That may be something you'll need to discuss with the local constabulary if you happen to get pulled over on the way to or from the field. You may get to practice your persuasive skills there... I do know that people across Queensland are being charged when caught travelling without a legitimate purpose.
It's up to all of you to decide if you wish to fly.
Please don't fly alone though, in case something happens to you and you need assistance... such as CPR... from 2 metres away...
Hi Ken,
In essence, what you are proposing is what I am trying to do!! ... I agree with your comments and have no answers to your question. I wish I did. If we could just get the members to respond and get some dialogue going as to where their interests lie. I do not understand their reticence neither....The idea here is to support each other and their endeavors, and to build a club that we are proud of. A tremendous amount of work has gone into establishing the infrastructure that we enjoy today.... Yet people seem to go as quickly as they arrive. We must establish WHY...in order to maintain membership. MORE COMMUNICATION PLEASE.
Brian C
Thanks for the replies guys....the plan I am looking at for the SPAD is the Debut..... If you look on YouTube there is a plane they're called Yard waste. I believe it is actually a Debut... The plans are on SPAD to the Bone. Would need wheels and a few alterations as gutter pipe is not available in Australia to the best of my knowledge.
Hi, just thought I would repost one of Gregs very helpful items earlier in this forum..
If anyone takes a photo of anything and wants to share it on this forum you may have problems with file sizing. I have found that my camera takes a photo at around 13 megapixels and a max of 21megapixels. To get around the file sizing I send an image to myself in an email. The email received back had reduced it to 200kbs. I then saved this reduced image it to a folder on my PC named "WAM photos".
Now to get this image into a posting, go to the bottom of the page/thread/reply you are editing and locate the "Attachments" section. To the right of New Attachment: click on (Browse ...). Now navigate to where you saved your image from the email (In my case to a folder called "WAM photos"). Select the correct file and click on Open. The name of your path/file name should now be seen to the left of the word "Browse". Now click on "Add Attachment" to upload your image to the forums upload directory. You can now add this image as an attachment to you message or place it directly into the text as an image.
That's how I am doing it now. Will try another way later on. As the file attachment the forum will only allow you to upload a max of 500kbs. If anybody can find another way of downsizing photos without buying a program please inform us.
Did everyone get the email from Michael Hobson, MAAQ President, today?
Greg, I'll forward it to you and Dave.
Very sorry to hear about your Mother JR....and at such a difficult time...with the restrictions it must be really hard for you.All the Best my Friend.