This years’ Wings Over Ta’Qali was held over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th April 2005. The open weekend promised – Lots of Action… Lots to See… and Lots to Do… - unfortunately the event was plagued with appalling weather.
The event which is organized by the Malta Model Aircraft Association (MMAFA) was held at their flying site in Ta’Qali, situated below the bastion’s of the old city of Mdina offering spectacular views, lots of sun and blue skies although in the presence of strong gusty winds which prevented a lot of modelers of flying their models.
This years’ committee had worked hard on foreign participation and a handful of known pilots from the UK, Italy and Germany had offered to bring over their models. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances such as late arrangements on logistics and model accidents a couple of weeks before the event the majority of foreign participants did not attend. Our Sicilian neighbours did eventually attend and Marco Nicolosi assisted by Giuseppe Fassari put in some great flights with his own design Gizmo 3D and Staudacher S300.
The committee had also managed to obtain sponsorship from Sussex Model Centre based in West Sussex, UK, who were generous enough to send over all expenses paid for, a Ripmax ARTF kit, the EF Reno Racer, which was raffled during the weekend between the members.
On Saturday the event was opened by the Hon. Minister Censu Galea, who patiently went round all the models and spoke to the modelers. Unfortunately due to the strong cross winds the larger models were grounded due to spectator safety and the flying displays consisted mainly of Funtana S140s, smaller 3D machines plus a couple of scale aircraft which also took to the air and graced our skies. Pierre Bonello also put in a couple of breath taking flights with his Century Heli, which also included some very low inverted hovering to the amazement of the crowds.
The weather got worse on Sunday as the wind continued to increase up to 25knots but at least it blew straight down the runway. Brian Busuttil successfully flew his AMT powered Rookie across the sky a couple of times during the day. The strong winds discouraged many modelers of taking to the air and the flying displays were unfortunately scarce.
The static displays were abundant on both days with many modelers bringing their models to the flying site all clean and polished. The static exhibition included all types of models ranging from sports aircraft to scale warplanes, powered by glow two stroke and four stroke engines as well as petrol engines, right up to gas turbines. In fact the Best of Show trophy this year was again won by Wayne Galea who surprised everyone with his newly airbrushed and waiting to fly 40% Giles 202.
Martin Mifsud and Mario Vitale ‘The Demolition Man’ were also well prepared this year for the Air Raid Simulation. Many other modelers pitched in to help these two guys put up a great pyrotechnic show on both days. The three flyers during the display, Martin, Stephen and Wayne put on a great show despite the strong unrelentless winds. The overall effect of the control tower and the foam profile Zeros with the Mdina bastions in the background, the two Mustangs and Spitfire flying up and down the runway, the bombs exploding the Zeros around the tower and the specially choreographed music on the loudspeakers, kept the crowd entertained on both days.
The event also included some full size aircraft participation. This included a static display by the Bell 47G from the Armed Forces of Malta and a Bell 212 from the Missione Italiana based in Malta and flypasts by a Cessna 152 and Cessna 206 from the Malta School of Flying based in Luqa and a Bell 412 from Helisureste based in Gozo our sister island.
The whole event was a success even though the weather was not co-operative and continues to grow and improve with time. Everyone had a great time and friendships were made since many foreign visitors attended, even though without their models, showing us their support. The MMAFA committee is also considering moving the Wings Over Ta’ Qali event from April to October as this should promise better weather and give the committee more time for organization.
Also if there are any foreign participants that would like to attend our event they can contact the MMAFA PRO at mmafa@yahoo.com The committee has decided to keep the same approach towards foreign pilots next year, this being that the Association is willing to pay for a week’s accommodation for the pilot concerned and his partner/helper as long as he/she brings a model along. The few places available are based on a first come first served basis and at the discretion of the committee, as the funds are obviously limited.
The commitee thank Brian Busuttil for preparing and sending the article to the press.
Photos of the event can be found here:- http://picasaweb.google.com/106399176659894738668/WingsOverTaQali2005#