The CAA have issued the latest general exemption which removes the requirement to register as an SUA operator directly with the CAA for members who joined or renew with the BMFA on or after 15th June 2020, for a period of 90 days. Members who wish to register with the CAA through the BMFA should select CAA registration when they join or renew. There will be regular bulk uploads to the CAA and those requesting to be registered with the CAA when joining or renewing membership will receive their ...

In accordance with the reasons put forward by Council at the May Zoom Council Meeting, the Silent Flight Technical Committee has concluded most regrettably that it must cancel all three of the 2020 Silent Flight National Championships.  We must now all look forward to 2021.

The exemptions from article 94F of the Air Navigation Order, (see https://rcc.bmfa.uk/ufaqs/article-94f-certain-small-unmanned-aircraft-requirement-for-acknowledgement-of-competency ) has been extended until 30th December 2020 when the CAA intend to introduce the new European UAS Regulations at which point the exemptions should be incorporated in to the specific permission that is being negotiated with the CAA for BMFA members and members of other UK model flying associations. See here for furth...

The CAA have today published an update to CAP1789, which details the EU regulations for unmanned aircraft.  Please see https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP1789%20Edition3%20June2020.pdf . The regulations were due to come into effect on the 1 July, but due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic they will not now come into effect until 31 December. The important point for members to note is that the specific reference to model flying remains unchanged: Model aircraft Additional pro...

I am very sorry to have to inform our members that the BMFA Council has taken the difficult decision to cancel the Radio-Control, Control-Line and Scale National Championships (the Power Nationals) that were due to take place at RAF Barkston Heath from 29th to 31st August 2020. The safety of our members and those attending is always our number one priority. I appreciate that this will come as a huge disappointment, particularly after so many other contests and major model flying shows have alre...

COVID-19 Update – A return to the Skies Wales from 1st June. After receiving further information on the situation in Wales it now appears that there can be a limited return of model aircraft flying in Wales, please note that it is subject to conditions about staying local (approx. 5 miles from home) and social distancing measures must be observed. Please also note that you should not be travelling outside of your local area in to Wales either. The government in Wales states:-  If your prefer...

Further to our previous updates which you can read at https://bmfa.org/News/covid-19 it now appears that a return to model flying is now possible for some in England, Northern Ireland and now Scotland from tomorrow (29th May). Please note that the Scottish Government are recommending you do not travel more than 5 miles for outdoor recreation. (An announcement is expected for Wales tomorrow, 29th May). Please remember that it still cannot be considered as being business as usual.  We would rec...

National Centre Covid 19 measures update   The National Centre was closed in accordance with Government guidance (and subsequent legal requirements) some 8 weeks ago. The recent relaxation of lockdown requirements has presented the opportunity for some model flying activity to take place and as such it is time to commence a gradual reopening of the National Centre. The aim is a phased approach with regular reviews and amendments to reflect the evolving governmental guidance, however, it is i...

Further to our previous update which you can read at https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2654/A-return-to-the-skies-Further-update-please-read  and in response to a number of member questions, we would like to update the statement to reflect the developing situation. Whilst a return to model flying is now possible for some in England and now Northern Ireland (we are seeking clarification on the situation in Wales and there is currently no relaxation of the restrictions in Scotland) it cer...

It is with much regret that West London Model Aeroplane Club announces the sad loss of its Life President Lloyd Ressler, who passed away peacefully at home on 20th April with his wife Pat at his side, at his side. Lloyd was our club’s Life President for many years, after stepping down as Chairman and was instrumental in its original development at Stockley Park when the club was the West Drayton MAC, the later relocation of the club to Springwell Lane back in the 80’s and its renaming to West ...