This consisted of 2 events; The Tasmanian F3A State Championships, which also served as the Team Trial for the Trans-Tasman. And the Trans-Tasman which was also a round of the F3A World Cup.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 2026 Australian F3A Masters scheduled to be held early March at Albury had to be cancelled. With not enough time to find another suitable venue, the APA executive made the decision to include the Australian Masters into the Trans-Tasman World Cup event. 

Holding two events over consecutive weekends worked well and provided a perfect opportunity for those travelling from interstate and overseas to make it a very worthwhile trip. 

Our main aim was for everyone to enjoy themselves and to make it as easy as possible for pilots to attend the competitions. We welcomed pilots from TAS, QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and New Zealand. Some travelled over with their cars on the Spirit of Tasmania and some flew into Hobart Airport, with the New Zealanders also flying into Hobart. The Hobart airport is only around 30 minutes from the competition site, which is very convenient. Transport for personnel and model boxes to the competition site was arranged for the ones who flew in.

It was important for everyone to have the opportunity to fly 6 rounds, which was accomplished with ease. This was due to all pilots being where they needed to be at the right time for flying and judging. 

The Notaumatic Scoring system was used for both events which was setup and ran by Scott ‘Stig’ Kay. It performed without any problems and ran flawlessly. 

The Roaring Forties Aero Modellers made their flying field available for the event, which was immaculately prepared by Mike ‘Ratttles’ Rutledge and Tony ‘Sheppo’ Sheppard helping out in the background. Rattles and Sheppo did an outstanding job on the field and camping preparation. During the 12 days, David ‘Cookie’ Cook and Gavin ‘Gavalotomy’ Fitz-Henry were instrumental in the day to day running of the camp, helping out wherever needed. Camping was popular, entertaining and very enjoyable.

The event would not have been possible without our generous sponsors. A huge thankyou to:

Mark Hu – VLV International. Mark donated a V4 Contra drive and governed ESC that was auctioned off. The proceeds going to the host club to assist with the event running costs.

Tasmanian Precision Aerobatics for event preparation and set up.

Tasmanian Model Aircraft Association for their contribution of $1000.

The Brighton Council for their kind donation of $1000, which was used to purchase the marquee where many models were stored overnight during the 12 days.

Australian Precision Aerobatics for the Australian Masters trophies and gold caps.

Phil ‘ICM’ Spence who very kindly provided the Trans-Tasman team shirts.

Mike ‘Noisy’ Ralph for his tireless efforts in keeping everyone fed throughout the 2 events and line directing. Ralphy also donated a 3-blade prop that was auctioned as well.

Ben Goode provided 4 balsa strippers which were also auctioned off. 

The auctioneer was the ICM. It was a lot of fun and very entertaining.

To run a Trans-Tasman event, first you must have both Australian and New Zealand teams. 

Frazer ‘Bogan’ Briggs and Steve ‘Honey Butter Double Dipper” Johnson made up the NZ team and Aaron ‘Bones’ Garle and Seth Huntingford – The current Junior World champion - were the Australian team.

 It was a very close battle that went down to the wire, but the Aussies ended up bringing the TT trophy back home.

The Trans-Tasman event started in 1967 and we were fortunate enough to have one of the original Trans-Tasman team members to present the TT trophy. 

Steve Ralph represented Australia in the first TT in 1967 and also in 1969. It was very interesting to listen to Steve’s memories of those early events.

Without the support and attendance of pilots, these events wouldn’t happen. To the New Zealanders and Australian mainlanders, thank you very much for making the effort to support and contribute to the success of the events. It is very much welcomed and appreciated.