Zone L - Winter Update

By RUDIE NAGELMAKERS

I wanted to check in and share what’s been happening in our zone with MAAC. The good news is that 2026 is business as usual—just keep following your club rules along with Transport Canada and MAAC guidelines, and you’ll be all set.  MAAC 2.0 is moving forward with confidence and momentum, positioning the organization for long-term success and ensuring its strength, relevance, and sustainability both today and well into the future.
Over the last four or five years, we’ve all seen a lot of changes from MAAC and Transport Canada to help make safety and flying rules more consistent across Canada. I know these changes can sometimes feel like a lot, but keeping our flyers, full-scale aircraft, and the public safe always has to come first.
Another exciting project is the new MAAC website. A lot of time and effort has gone into building it, and we’re really happy with how it looks. Like any new system, there may be a few bumps at the start, but it should make finding information much easier. Testing is happening now, and the first part of the site should be online by the end of February. 
Just a friendly reminder—if you haven’t already renewed your MAAC membership for 2026, please take a few minutes to do so to make sure you’re all set for the upcoming flying season. As you may recall, in early 2024 MAAC moved away from the printed magazine and transitioned to a more online format. At the same time, physical membership cards were discontinued. You can now easily download your membership card anytime by logging into your account on the MAAC website.
Like many organizations, MAAC has experienced a drop in membership over the past few years, which has also impacted revenue. The changes to the magazine and membership cards were part of a cost-savings effort to help maintain a strong financial footing.  To help grow and strengthen the organization, a Membership Committee has been formed. You’ve likely seen some emails and posts about initiatives aimed at increasing membership. We’ll continue building on these efforts throughout 2026 as we work to grow MAAC and improve its financial position. 
Since we are all volunteers, we try our best to keep members informed and to answer questions as quickly as we can. I’m also thinking ahead about who might take over my role one day. Planning for the future is important so there can be a smooth change when the time comes.
If anyone would like to get involved with MAAC in a leadership role, on a committee, or in an advisory group, I would love to hear from you!
On a lighter note, it’s been great getting out to swap meets, winter flying days, and club meetings this year. I’m looking forward to visiting more clubs, joining your events, and helping however I can.
Here’s to a great season ahead—safe flying everyone!
Best Regards ….. Rudie