How to Get Started with Model Aircraft at WMAC (Wellington Model Aeroplane Club)

Updated

The simplest way to begin is to show up in person: WMAC welcomes anyone interested to come and view model aircraft and multirotors, and its monthly club meetings are open to members and non-members alike. Come to a meeting or visit a flying field, meet members, and ask about learning to fly — that is the path the club itself points beginners toward. The club also publishes information on how to get started with model aircraft on its website.

Step 1: Attend a Club Meeting

  • When: the next meeting listed is 28 October 2026, 8.00pm.
  • Where: Belmont Hall.
  • Who: everyone is welcome, whether you are a member or not.

This is a low-pressure first step: you can see what the club does, meet past, present and potential members, and ask directly how the learning-to-fly process works.

Step 2: Visit a Flying Field

WMAC's primary flying site is Seddon Range in Trentham, Upper Hutt. Flying typically happens on a Sunday morning, but the club advises checking two things before you go:

  1. The club calendar — to confirm when the field is open.
  2. The club webcam — to see whether anyone is actually flying, since activity is weather dependent.

If you fly smaller electric indoor models, there is also indoor flying: the next session listed is Friday 23 October 2026 at 7pm, at Riverstone Recreational Hall, Whirinaki, with access from Fergusson Drive via the entrance door behind the green tree. The club notes a $10 pilot fee to cover hall rental and that spectators are free. If the wind has latched the door, knock.

Step 3: Decide What You Want to Fly

The club covers a broad range of disciplines, so you can match your interest before you commit:

Category What the club flies
Powered aircraft Radio-controlled planes
Gliders Slope, thermal soaring and hand launch
Rotorcraft Helicopters and multirotors
Other A small group of free flight and control-line enthusiasts

Competitions in classes such as aerobatics, scale, pylon and vintage are held throughout the year — useful to watch if you want to see what experienced flying looks like.

What to Expect and Common Pitfalls

  • Don't assume someone will be at the field. Flying is weather dependent and typically Sunday mornings; check the calendar and webcam first.
  • Indoor sessions are for smaller electric models. If your interest is larger aircraft, the outdoor field is the relevant venue.
  • Bring your questions to people, not just the website. The club explicitly invites newcomers to meet members and learn how to learn to fly — that conversation is the real starting point.

Quick Checklist

  • [ ] Check the calendar and webcam before travelling to Seddon Range (Sunday mornings, weather dependent).
  • [ ] Attend the next club meeting (28 October 2026, 8.00pm, Belmont Hall) — open to all.
  • [ ] Or try an indoor session (23 October 2026, 7pm, Riverstone Recreational Hall; $10 pilot fee, spectators free).
  • [ ] Decide which discipline interests you, then ask members about learning to fly.