Model aircraft open weekend

Wings over Ta' Qali, the 11th edition of the Malta Model Aircraft Flying Association's annual open weekend, is bringing together a variety of models and an organised flying display by its members for the public.

One of the highlights of the weekend is flying demonstrations by Sebastiano Silvestri, the Italian F3A Aerobatics Champion of 2001.

The usual "toffee bombing", whereby toffees are thrown out of a plane onto the runway for the children to collect, is also being held.

The association's 120 members all have a passion for flying model aircraft. During the open day, they are flying a variety - from scale models of vintage airplanes, like biplanes, to model jets, said the honorary president, Henri Portelli.

Speaking at the inauguration of the open day, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said that since 2000, 76 sports and cultural organisations have benefited from the transfer of government land due to parliamentary resolutions.

The association was set up around 50 years ago and the Ta' Qali activity has been held for 11 years. This year it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight with an airplane they built themselves.

The public can attend the open weekend today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the club in Ta' Qali.