LaTrobe Valley Model Aero Club Committee Members
President - Jamie McLaughlin
Secretary - Craig McMahon
I only started flying model aircraft in April 2024—but it’s something I’ve dreamt of doing since I was a kid. Life just got in the way, and I never quite made it out to a flying field… until now.
What finally pulled me in was to experience the thrill of electric powered jet - specifically EDFs (Electric Ducted Fan jets). They're sleek, fast, and far more beginner-friendly than most people imagine (provided you have some experience under your belt first!). A couple of my favorite aircraft I have flown so far have been the Freewing F-22 Raptor and the F-14 Tomcat. Flying them feels like piloting the real thing, and the experience is absolutely addictive.
Since joining the community, I’ve become even more involved and was proud to be elected Club Secretary in mid-2025. It’s an incredibly welcoming hobby, and there’s something for everyone—whether you’re into high-speed jets, classic warbirds, or just relaxing flights on a quiet afternoon.
Want to Get Started?
You don’t need any experience to begin—just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to learn. Most local clubs (like ours) are happy to help newcomers get set up, and there are great beginner-friendly aircraft that are both affordable and easy to fly. Come along to a club day, chat with members, and you might be surprised how quickly you're in the air.
Treasurer - Wayne Lewis
I started flying Radio Controlled models in 1977 at the Sale & District Aeromodellers Club when I was in the RAAF at East Sale. When I left the RAAF in 1981 I moved to Morwell and joined the Latrobe Valley Model Aero Club in 1982 and have been an active member of the club ever since.
I started instructing other members to fly in 1989 at the Tyers Field, and in 1992 I attended the 2 day VMAA instructors course at the Cairnbrook Field and have been the Clubs' main instructor ever since. I have had hundreds of students over the years and I have done most of the Bronze, Silver & Gold Wing testing in the Club since 1992.
I am also the Clubs Chief Test Pilot and have test flown hundreds of models and, like all committed flyers, I have had my fair share of crashes over the years.
I currently have over 40 models in my hangar but I still like to fly a Boomerang Trainer with a G46 electric motor on a 5S 5000Mah battery and I only fly electric aircraft these days.
I have been the Newsletter Editor since 1990, Treasurer from 1991 to 2021, Club Secretary from 2020 to 2025, and I have recently gone back to the Treasurer position from mid 2025.