Over the past few weeks, since our last Board meeting on March 9th, I’ve had the opportunity to step back for a moment and reflect on where we are as an organization and more importantly, where we are going.
What stands out most is not a single decision or milestone, but a growing sense of alignment. Across the Board, our Advisory Groups, and within our clubs, there is a shared understanding that MAAC is evolving. Not away from its roots, but forward toward a stronger, more connected future.
A More Connected Board
Our next Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for April 13th, is another step in that direction. These meetings continue to be open to members as observers, and I want to emphasize how important that is. Seeing members take interest in MAAC governance is both encouraging and motivating. It reminds us that what we do matters not just at the Board table, but out on the flying fields across the country.
AGM 2026 – A New Way Forward
Looking ahead, our Annual General Meeting on May 3rd will mark an important moment in our transition toward MAAC 2.0.
This year, we will operate in a fully virtual AGM environment. While this represents a change from tradition, it is very much in line with our objective to become a modern, accessible, and efficient organization.
Members will soon receive the digital AGM package, complementing the physical copies already sent by mail to those who don’t want emails from MAAC. But beyond the format itself, what truly represents progress is how members will participate.
For the first time, voting and proxy assignments will be handled directly within MAAC.ca. No external systems, no redirections, just a seamless, integrated experience designed specifically for our members.
MAAC secretary, Mike Anderson has tested this system extensively over the past few weeks. From targeted trials with Zone Assistants to larger simulations involving members, and even internal Board testing, the results have been consistently positive. It is a simple change on the surface, but one that reflects a much deeper transformation in how we operate.
This is a milestone toward something even better for 2027. Stay Tuned
Advisory Groups – Turning Vision into Action
One of the most encouraging developments since March has been the strong response to our Advisory Group initiatives.
Following our November strategy session, we identified three key areas essential to MAAC’s future: mentorship, club sustainability, and membership growth. Today, those are no longer concepts; they are becoming structured, active teams.
The Aeromodelling Guidance Advisory Group, under Peter Doupnik, is laying the groundwork for a standardized mentorship approach. This is about more than training; it’s about creating a clear and supportive path for newcomers, from their first flight to becoming confident, capable pilots. As of today, 5 candidates have been identified to be part of this group
The Club Engagement & Development Advisory Group, led by John Horner, is focused on something equally critical: the health and sustainability of our clubs. Whether it’s site retention, regulatory challenges, or community integration, this group will play a key role in supporting the foundation of MAAC. So far, john received 7 names of potential members.
And finally, the Membership Advisory Group, under Rudie Nagelmaker, has seen tremendous interest. Their mandate is simple, yet vital: ensure that MAAC remains welcoming, vibrant, and relevant to both new and existing members. This group seems to be one with the most of interest with 12 candidatures received
Candidates will be contacted in a near future by different leaders
What is particularly encouraging is not just the structure of these groups, but the number of members stepping forward to contribute. That is a strong signal of where MAAC is heading.
Progress Across the Organization
Beyond these initiatives, work continues across several key areas.
The Competition & Performance Advisory Group, led by Craig Knight, continues to support and strengthen the competitive side of our hobby, an important part of our heritage and identity.
On the financial side, the completion and Board approval of the audit marks another important milestone. While I will leave the detailed reporting to the Finance Advisory Group led by Victor Wells at the AGM, I can say with confidence that we are seeing meaningful improvement compared to previous years. This is the result of careful management, discipline, and a collective effort to stabilize and strengthen our organization.
MAAC 2.0 – More Than a Platform
MAAC 2.0 is often associated with technology and yes, our new digital platform is a major component. But what we are building goes far beyond a website.
It is a shift in how we collaborate, how we communicate, and how we support one another across the country.
It is about transparency.
It is about accessibility.
It is about ensuring that every member, whether new or experienced, feels part of something bigger.
As we’ve said before, and as I continue to believe strongly:
MAAC 2.0 is not our hobby.
It is how we develop and protect the hobby we love.
Looking Ahead
There is still work to be done. There always will be. But the direction is clear, and the progress is real.
What we are seeing today is the result of many people, board members, volunteers, club leaders, and individual members working together with a shared purpose.
And that is, ultimately, what will define MAAC’s future.
Thank you for your continued support, your engagement, and above all, your passion for aeromodelling.
Alain Carpentier
President, MAAC
Model Aeronautics Association of Canada
Unit 9, 5100 South Service Road
Burlington, ON L7L 6A5
Toll Free:
+1 (855) FLY–MAAC
(+1 (855) 359–6222)
Phone: +1 (905) 632–9808
Model Aeronautics Association of Canada
Unit 9, 5100 South Service Road
Burlington, ON L7L 6A5
Toll Free:
+1 (855) FLY–MAAC
(+1 (855) 359–6222)
Phone: +1 (905) 632–9808
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All Rights Reserved