Airworthiness
Large Models and Turbines

Large Models

Models weighing between 7 kg and 25 kg are defined as heavy models and these require a heavy model permit to fly. Permits can only be granted after an Airworthiness Inspection and evaluation process. This includes demonstrating to an MAAA Heavy Model Inspector that the person to be authorized to fly the model has the ability to safely operate the model in flight. Modellers who are planning to build a Heavy Model should contact their nearest available MAAA Inspector to discuss any technical aspects and arrange a mutually acceptable location for the inspection & evaluation flight.

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Permits are valid for a period of three years from date of issue. A list of qualified Inspectors is provided in the AWA Members Area.

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Details of the permit requirements are given in the MAAA Manual of Procedure’s which can be viewed on this site. Details of the Civil Aviation Regulations which govern all model flying including Heavy models can be found on this site also.

 

Models weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg are defined as giant models and as such require a giant model permit to fly. Giant Model Permits can only be granted after an Airworthiness Inspection and evaluation process carried out by a Giant Model Inspector.

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Gas Turbine and Pulse Jet Inspections

Gas Turbines or Pulse Jets are treated in the same way as above, but different paperwork is required. Weight limits between 7-25kg do not apply, ALL gas turbines or pulse jets require a permit to fly. There is a Manual of Procedure covering these which can be found on this site. Any of these types of models that way over 25kg will require further inspection by a Giant Model Inspector with a Gas Turbine or Pulse Jet Endorsement, as the case requires.