After a long absence from the aero modelling scene in Australia, the 2025 Australian Scale Aerosports (ASA) Nationals were hosted by the Bairnsdale and District Model Aero Club (BADMAC) at their Goon Nure facility last weekend.
The event was a fantastic success with an impressive 78 judged flights over just two days, and for the first time, the new jet category was introduced to the scale flying class.
The competition was fierce, the craftsmanship inspiring, and the camaraderie second to none.
The ASA committee made a huge effort in delivering such a well-run event, well supported by the pilots, some who made the journey from Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and across Victoria.
The event attracted the very best scale pilots in the country, competing in some challenging crosswind conditions, with some sensational efforts.
Upcoming junior pilot Macklin Dodd, from Queensland, was especially inspiring to watch and his place on the world team is well deserved.
ASA was glowing in the efforts of BADMAC, hosting the event at its great facility, and organising the incredible volunteers and judges whose dedication behind the scenes makes events like this possible.
Joe Finicchiaro (chief flying judge) and David Law (chief static judge) ran a tight ship.
There were winners and losers, as well as a team of talented pilots elected to compete at the 2026 World Championships in the United Kingdom in July 2026.
Peter Goff and his Tiger Moth were the winners in the F4H category, finishing ahead of Mel Law and Anthony Ogle.
In the Flying Class the winner was Aran Garle, with local Tony Wilson second and Keith Quigg third.
In the Team Scale division, Goff was successful from Ogle and Alex Butler, while the jets went the way of, Ogle ahead of Quigg and Tyson Dodd.
First order of business at the presentation ceremony and one of the highlights was the VMAA Life Membership to Finocchiaro for his many years of service in various roles.
