The Victorian Association for Radio Model Soaring (VARMS) was formed in 1968 by radio control glider enthusiasts. It has grown since then to become one of the biggest aeromodelling clubs in Victoria. VARMS has the exclusive use of a huge flying field, called Briggs Field, covering some 19 hectares right in the heart of suburban Melbourne at Wantirna South. It is indicated clearly in your Melways page 72, C1 labelled VARMS Briggs Field, model aircraft.
Click here to view the site on Google Maps

Members fly gliders at Briggs Field seven days a week, whilst also flying power models on all days except Sunday each week. There are very few pressures on the Briggs Field as members also fly from many other soaring sites around Victoria to which VARMS has access. We fly at Briggs from 7.00am to 8.00pm seven days a week.

Our field is large enough and high enough (with CASA/MAAA approval as a model flying site) to routinely support large scale gliders with aero-tow launches ? come to one of our monthly scale aero-tow days just to see these magnificent? models in action.

Briggs Field is the home of open class thermal glider competition in Victoria. Some of our members have competed at world championship level. At these competitions you can see the latest in models and the pilots who fly them.

If you?ve not yet got to grips with gliders, why not join our free glider pilot training programme. We provide all the gear ? gliders, radio gear with buddy box support, power and bungee winch launches ? with MAAA approved instructors too. We routinely take raw beginners and train them up to Glider Bronze Wings standard (the MAAA ?solo? rating). And you can do all this before building/buying your own models.

Training classes are free to all current and prospective members and are held on Sunday mornings, generally on a fortnightly basis. Exact dates and times are posted on the field gate and on our website events page.

After going ?solo?, it is difficult to know where to go next. The choice of your next glider is influenced by availability and launch method. Major improvements in electric power systems have made this option attractive to many pilots. With this in mind VARMS has established monthly electric glider fun fly events at Briggs field.

Adding electric power to your glider must be done with care. VARMS has many members with experience in this area and they are glad to share their knowledge with you .These fun fly days give you the opportunity to talk to more experienced modellers and ask advice on model selection, motor installation and flying techniques. So if you are planning to buy an electric glider, join us at Briggs Field for any of our electric fun fly days.

Membership

We are now able to offer club membership at only $80 per year for seniors, with a discounted rate of only $50 per year for pensioners. There is a once-off joining fee of $20, plus you will need MAAA/VMAA insurance if you?ve not already got it. What a bargain ? 7 days a week, 13 hours a day at a huge suburban flying site ? and we?re a nice bunch of enthusiasts too. Click here for more information and a membership form

Why not have a browse our website for more information and the back catalogue of our monthly magazine ?Aspectivity? ? you can have a printed or electronic copy ? its free as part of your membership. This link will take you there now!

Club Meetings

General meetings are held on the SECOND FRIDAY of each month (except January) - at the Glen Waverley Primary School hall, in High Street Road, Glen Waverley (next to McDonalds on the corner of High Street Road and Springvale Rd.), and occasionally as a Twi-fly meeting during the summer months at the Club flying field (Wantirna Sth.). Meetings start at 8:00pm and visitors are welcome. Formalities are usually followed by lively discussions on matters of interest to all modellers.

We look forward to seeing you at VARMS and welcoming you to our great club.

Photos courtesy Russell Naughton and Henryk Kobylanski