It wasn’t just an impressive variety of model aircrafts which were flying high over the Clarence Valley in recent days with the enthusiasm and enthralment of spectators at the Grafton Model Aircraft Club’s annual Fun Fly Weekend also soaring to new heights.

With plenty of winter sunshine amidst calm and pleasant conditions, hundreds journeyed to the Tancred’s Lane Flying Field at Clarenza between June 27-29 to attend the popular annual event.

While humorously sharing his relief after the Bureau of Meteorology’s initial forecast for rain did not eventuate during the highly anticipated three-day event, Secretary of the Grafton Model Aircraft Club Daryl Woolfe said he was thrilled the occasion was another spectacular success.

“It’s a free community event the club hosts each year, and we’re always over the moon when we see so many people turn up to support it,” he said.

“We had visiting pilots come from Sydney and the Sunshine Coast to attend the Fun Fly Weekend, and a lot of them certainly racked up many kilometres on the highways to be here, and we certainly appreciate their efforts and their ongoing support.

“It’s not just about showcasing their flying skills and allowing members of the public to view their models; it’s about bringing people together and having a good time.”

With some model aircrafts capable of reaching speeds in excess of 400km/h, it wasn’t just flight mode being activated during the Fun Fly Weekend.

As he optimistically picked up a remote control and allowed Mr Woolfe to expertly guide his fingers across the levers and switches, 10-year-old Luca Terranova said he loved the feeling of being in control of a model aircraft for the first time.

“It was really exciting,” he said.

“I’d never flown a model aircraft before, and it was a lot of fun.”

A passionate model aircraft enthusiast of close to 30 years and member of Samford Valley Flyers, Queenslander Trevor Plant made the journey from north of the border to attend his first Fun Fly Weekend and complimented members of the Grafton Model Aircraft Club for making him feel so welcome.

Bringing six models to the event with him, including an eye-catching $4000 yellow Edge 540V made from carbon fibre and fibreglass, which attracted plenty of admiration from spectators, Mr Plant spoke favourably of the open spaces at the Tancred’s Lane Flying Field and said he would definitely consider coming back to support the Fun Fly Weekend again.

“We’ve been quite fortunate, we’ve been blessed with good flying conditions, and as a first-time visitor I’m very impressed with the location and the set up,” he revealed.

Describing his long-standing affection for model aircrafts as an investment in his happiness, Mr Plant said he loves having the opportunity to travel and share his passion for flying with others.

“Once it gets into your blood, it doesn’t leave you, ever,” he said.

“It’s been great to be part of the Fun Fly Weekend, and to see people come along and watch us fly and come up to us and ask us questions about the model aircrafts, that’s something we really enjoy.”

The Grafton Model Aircraft Club is looking forward to hosting the Fun Fly Weekend again in 2026.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 2 July 2025.