Midland Model Flying Club
Boora, Kilcormac, County Offaly.
www.midlandmodelflyingclub.org
The Midland Model Flying Club was formed in 1991 by a group of Aero-modellers who were located in the Midlands area and wanted to establish a flying site that could be used on a permanent basis. The Club Members then enlisted the help of Bord Na Mona in the purchase of a 4.5 acre site, helped by a loan from the Model Aeronautical Council of Ireland (the Governing Body of the Sport), where they developed the current flying field. The runways were laid down, taxiways and pits areas for aircraft preparation. A Club shed with an open end facing the main runway was constructed a Club House for meetings with cooking facilities etc.
The main runway which faces East – West is approximately 160 metres long, the secondary runway facing North – South approximately 70 metres long were prepared, rolled and grass seeded and are in exceptional condition today due to continuous maintenance by the Members.
The Club has a large outdoor BBQ and power available for lighting, as well as of course battery charging.
In 2014 the Club decided to put on a “Fun Fly and Bring & Buy Sale” event over three days. This turned out to be a huge success at which over 200 M.A.C.I. Members attended. This event has been repeated every year since and the M.A.C.I. Members have voted it the best flying event ever held in Ireland.
The event consists of;
- Friday afternoon the opening of the Club Campsite and flying until dark.
- Saturday flying events all day e.g. Balloon Bursting, Climb & Glide and Bottle Knocking Competitions. Flying displays of IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) Aerobatics, Heli’s, Scale (Fixed Wing & Heli), Jet Turbines, 3D Flying and “Velocity & Magnum” aircraft flying at speeds up to 180 MPH (290 KPH). Saturday evening massive BBQ, Night Flying, Music and sing song.
- Sunday same programme without the BBQ and Night Flying.
The Club also hosts events throughout the year.
- M.A.C.I. Examiner Courses for A & B Member Certification and Contest Directors Courses,
- Helicopter Competitions, Fixed wing Competitions (IMAC), Scale open days.
- Fun Fly’s. See “Events” page for the current years events.
Members build and fly a wide variety of aircraft. Fixed wing I.C. (internal combustion), Electric and non-powered and Electric powered Gliders. Helicopters I.C. and Electric powered. Scale (miniature copies of full size) Aircraft, Helicopters and Drones. Members usually fly on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year (even during the winter), weather permitting.
Members are only too willing to help and advise new members in all aspects of Fixed wing, Helicopter and Drone flying and building remembering that we all started as novices.
We can be contacted in person at;
Email us at midlandmodelflyingclub.com or
Contact: Declan: 087-262 5868 or Mel: 087 292 7752
The Co-ordinates for the Flying Field are as follows:
Latitude/Longitude (DMS) 531255N 0774239W
Latitude/Longitude (DEC) 53.21527778 -7.71083333