The Club

Who we are

The Canberra Model Aircraft Club Incorporated (CMAC) was first established in 1938 to "further, and provide facilities for, the enjoyment of the sport of aeromodelling and associated activities. To promote, protect, organise and encourage in every way, the flying and development of model aircraft."

From humble beginnings the Club has grown to a membership in 2009-10 of around 85 people. As described below, our flying field is in a semi-rural area, yet easily accessible from any part of Canberra, Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra.

The Club's main activity is flying Radio controlled (R/C) model aircraft. Many types of R/C model aircraft are represented. Trainers, sport, aerobatic, pattern, civilian and military scale models can be seen at the flying field most weekends. R/C gliders, pylon racers and helicopters also put in an appearance from time to time.

Mass takeoff

Where we are

The CMAC Flying Field is located at 10423 Monaro Highway, Symonston, ACT. The entrance gate to the field is on the western or north-bound lane of the Highway about 1.0 km north of the traffic lights at the Andrew Maconochie Centre (Canberra Gaol) and about 2.5 km south of the Hindmarsh Drive overpass.

Click for Map

CMAC Field from Air

Flying field development project

In about year 2000, thanks to a forward-looking committee, a CMAC field development levee was added to annual membership subscription fees. Once sufficient funds had been raised and secure tenure established, a major flying field development effort would be undertaken.

In 2006 CMAC obtained from the ACT Government a 25-year lease on the Monaro Highway site (Block 232: Jerrabomberra) an area of 200 m x 150 m or 3.0 hectares. By 2009 the field development account had grown past $30,000.

A capital works program was prepared in early 2009, planning approvals were obtained and the field development project commenced.

Click for schematic Flying Field Layout

Project progress

Main achievements in 2009 include:

• removal of temporary club house and pilots area
• new north-south runway
• new pilots area and pits with MAAA-compliant safety fences and signage
• new all-steel club house with rainwater tanks
• new parking areas and picnic area.

Work in progress in 2010 includes:

• re-surfacing taxiways and pits
• kitchen fitout in club house
• internal flushing toilet and catch tank in club house
• solar-powered back-to-base alarm system
  and web cam
• tree-planting

CMAC Pits and Club House