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EnglishWhat Is WMAC (Wellington Model Aeroplane Club)?
Updated
WMAC stands for the Wellington Model Aeroplane Club, a New Zealand model aviation club based in the Wellington region. Its website, wmac.org.nz, is the club's public information hub: it explains what the club does, when and where members meet and fly, and how newcomers can get started with radio-controlled model aircraft. It is aimed at past, present and prospective members, and the club states that everyone is welcome at its meetings and flying fields, whether or not they are members.
What the club covers
WMAC is broader than its name suggests. According to the site, members fly:
- Radio-controlled planes and gliders (slope, thermal soaring and hand launch)
- Helicopters and multirotors
- Free flight and control-line models, through a small dedicated group
The club also runs competitions across several model classes during the year, including aerobatics, scale, pylon and vintage.
Where and when the club meets
The site lists two regular gathering points:
| Activity | Location | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly club meeting | Belmont Hall | 8.00pm; the next listed meeting is 28 October 2026 |
| Indoor flying | Riverstone Recreational Hall, Whirinaki (access from Fergusson Drive, entrance door behind the green tree) | Fridays at 7pm; the next listed session is 23 October 2026 |
| Primary flying site | Seddon Range, Trentham, Upper Hutt | Typically Sunday mornings, weather dependent |
Two practical details from the site are worth noting. Indoor flying is for smaller electric models, with a $10 pilot fee to cover hall rental and free entry for spectators. For outdoor flying, the club advises checking the calendar to confirm when the field is open and the webcam to see whether anyone is flying, since sessions depend on weather.
How to get started
The site is structured as a starting point rather than a rulebook: it offers information about the club, its activities and how to begin with model aircraft. The most direct route in, based on the club's own invitation, is to attend a monthly meeting or visit a flying field to meet members and ask about learning to fly. The site notes that the access door at the indoor venue sits behind the green tree and may need a knock if the wind has latched it.
Who the site is for
Use wmac.org.nz if you are in or near Wellington and want to find a club for radio-controlled planes, gliders, helicopters or multirotors, or if you are simply curious and want to watch before committing. If you are outside the region, the site is still useful as an example of how a model flying club organises meetings, indoor sessions and field access, but the locations and dates will not apply to you.