THE HISTORY OF V.A.R.M.S The Annual Diary 1990 - 2009

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..... a typical December Twi-fly and General Meeting at Brigg’s field
VARMS to CELEBRATE 40 TH ANNIVERSARY
4 February 1968 -Initial gathering on Mt. Hollowback of interested glider guiders and
several hundred very interested spectators.
14 April 1968 -Slope Soaring Rally at The Bald Hill (Mt. Bacchus Marsh) for model
aircraft without audible means of support. This meeting resulted in the
creation of the Victorian Association of Radio Model Soaring.
In the Aspectivity of June 2006, an article appeared signalling the introduction of “Electric Glider
competitions”, where props and electric power rather than winches and bungees launched the glider
into the wild blue yonder to engage in thermalling activities. After many introductory fun-fly
situations, the following reflects a slightly more serious aspect of the activity!! And there will be
more in the future.
Feb 10 th – Open Electric Glider Event – After 4 rounds of flying the results were:-
1. David Pratley 2 Max Kroger 3 Alan Mayhew
February ’08 – VARMS has a total of 175 members
February 2, ’08 – VARMS Trophy results:-
1. Bruce Clapperton 2. Paul Dumsday 3. Peter Cossins
March 2008 Aspectivity (408) reflected several variations with regard to flying at Brigg’s Field.
The first –
Bronze Wings Electric Glider Group
Raoul Wynn
Background
At the end of training, with a newly won Glider Bronze Wings, the pilot has an enormous variety of
pathways to follow – choices of model and launch type, flying disciplines, venues and so on.
Typically, they have experienced a winch/bungee launched 2 channel Prelude and perhaps a little
time with an electric power assisted glider. They have struggled to get enough stick time to do
anything more than focus on the Bronze Wings test requirements.
Consequently:
With the apron strings cut they can lose focus.
They often feel very alone and lose confidence.
Many of the popular ARF electric gliders are pigs to fly with the supplied power systems.
Their foray into electric gliders often ends in a collection of scrap plastic and balsa!
The complex requirements of electric power systems just make it worse.
There are reports of some new members not leaving the Sunday training sessions after they