Sites
Members of SEAT build & fly mostly gliders (F3B, F3F, F3J, scale) and the satisfaction of designing and buidling a competitive composite glider is a wonderful feeling.
Crucial to the process is an understanding of aerodynamics, 3d modelling, CAD & CNC, molding and attention to detail. Shown below are a few details of our club projects with an aim of encouraging more of this activity.
St. LeonardsOur home field, St Leonards, is 10 km from Launceston.
It's a farming property with permission to fly almost all- year-round. Grazing sheep/ cows need occasional sheparding from the winch lines. Winter rain renders field off-limits to vehicles; contact the club for details.
During lambing season (August/Sept) we emigrate to another field 1km south-east.
Closest amenities; 2.5 km to local pub. & shops/bakery. Approx. 10km from Launceston city centre.
Flat field, distant trees, natural 200m winch zone marker in the form of a long shallow ditch parallel to the entry road. Winds mostly N-NW, 60km inland. Drive along dirt road for 400m then turn left near dam (to avoid running over winch lines).
L'ton. Aairport 7km away. Light aircraft pass overhead at around 1500 to 2000ft. Airliners at 2500 to 4000ft.
Overall; super site 7 out of 10.
Vallyfield is our special events field. Used mainly for competition events. Brilliant site; no trees nearby, flat for miles around. Located crnr of Barton and Mt Joy/Valleyfield rds. Permission needs to be sought before flying. Contact SEAT Exec. for details.
13km from Launceston, a farming property, permission to club members/ associate members to fly all year round. Vehicle access by padlocked gate near White Hills Hall. Contact SEAt Exec. for access permissions. Not a member? Get a member to accompany you. 4wd recommended in wet or damp conditions; leave all gates as you find them.
Mostly slermal (slope-thermal) in N-NW. Howling westerlies are good on the west slope. Inland site so condtions can be challenging (not recommended for heavy planes).
Closest amenities; 6 km to local pub. & shops/bakery. 3.5km to St.Leonards site.
Grazing sheep aplenty, grazing hawks & eagles too! Please respect their airspace & fly defensively.
Large rock-free landing area on top. Surrounding areas strewn with plane-bashing rocks.
Overall; good site 6 out of 10.
120km from Launceston, it's an awesome site.
Farming porperty. Permission to fly all year round. Only good for N-NW-WNW winds. Ideal is NW. 150ft gentle slope to sea. Bass Strait is 200km of uninterrupted open water. The slope has 2 grassy ravines which make ideal channels for strafing runs ;0)
Landing area is bountiful and in lea of hill. Electric fences are supplied with healthy mind-altering voltages. Ideal for F3F (poles located on-site in PVC pipe)
Please leave the gates as you found them. Known as the "7AD slope" due to the radio-station 7AD antenna there. Don't hit it.
Recommended you contact North West Aeromodellers Secretary Steve Ralph for local info if new to the site. Otherwise contact SEAT Exec. for access details.
Overall; super site 8 out of 10.
125km from Launceston.
Staggering lift available in W-NW-SW winds. 10 mins from 7AD site. Great second option to 7AD site.
Landing area open but "gritty" in parts thanks to dirt dumping.
Recommended you contact North West Aeromodellers Vice-President Steve Ralph for local info if new to the site.
Overall; super site 8 out of 10.
250KM from Launceston
The township of Stanley hosts members of SEAT every December...some say it takes a year for the hulabaloo to die down ;0)
Stanley offers 3 main sites; all good! All directions! The best slope would have to be the NW. Approx 3km long, facing the sea, steady 45deg. slope rises up to 150ft. Slopers heaven. Great LZ too...plush grass behind the pits.
Ask the property owners first! Courtesy goes a long way.
Overall; super site 9 out of 10.