I published an update on the BMFA website on 23rd August (https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2608/An-update-on-the-UK-regulations-for-model-flyers ) which provided a summary of our position at that time. This was also going to be the basis of my article for the forthcoming issue of the BMFA NEWS. However, the very next day I received a telephone call to tell me that the new Secretary of State for Transport (the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP) had picked up the case for us and would ‘be in touch...

The thirty-fifth BMFA Free-Flight Forum will open at 10 a.m. on Nov. 17th, the day after the AGM, at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel, Sedgemoor Way, Daventry NN110SG. Even if you’re not yet bitten by the free-flight bug, come along and see what it’s all about. Among the speakers and topics they’ll cover are:   George Seyfang - A Novel Way to Achieve Stability and Control; Ivan Taylor - Scale Matters; Alan Jack - What's Important in a Power Model Climb?; George Seyfang – Gurney Flaps; ...

Mike Knapp, Chairman of the Beaufort Model Flying Club, passed away on 11th August 2019 aged 84 after a short illness. The Beaufort MFC was formed in the early 70s and steadily expanded to become one of the largest in the Western Area. Mike joined the club in the early 80s and, with his son Ivor, flew a wide range of models. Mike and Ivor were early ‘Bishops’ and flew exciting fast IC powered models in duo routines. Mike was a skilful model builder and an early and enthusiastic convert to elec...

We would like to record our thanks to all those members who responded to our ‘Call to Action’ in response to CAP1775, the CAA’s consultation of the Drone Registration and Education Scheme (DRES) for which they are expecting our members to contribute a significant element of the annual £2.8 million running costs. The response from our members was fantastic, with the CAA receiving over 11,000 responses to the consultation – the biggest ever response they have ever received to anything.  Despi...

The British F3C team started off well with Steve Roberts and Mark Christy making it through the Preliminary Round to the Finals Rounds.

A terrific medal haul for the British team in the F3N (Freestyle Helicopter) at the World Championships in Ballenstedt, Germany that finished today.

The Achievement Scheme Review Committee will be hosting a further Achievement Scheme Roadshow on Saturday 5th October. The venue is The Ship Inn, Thornbury Road, Alveston, Bristol, BS35 3LL Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided. We are very please to announce that David Phipps, BMFA CEO, will be joining us for the Roadshow to discuss the latest regulatory changes and how they may affect model aircraft flying and the achievement scheme. This will be an ideal opportunity to find out ...

Do you know an examiner or instructor who has gone that extra mile this year? Maybe they have worked hard at promoting the scheme within your club, or perhaps they have toiled long and hard to get a pupil up to the required standard? Alternatively, they could be a pupil who has done the same, having persevered for some time in order to achieve their goal, or maybe they put in a stellar performed on their test? If you know someone like this, then why not nominate them for an achievement scheme ...

MIKE BILLINTON, FSMAE, 12/3/1932- 5/7/2019 Mike Billinton was a unique person, a self-taught engineer, engine builder and tester, author and control line speed multiple winner - being the first person in Europe to break the 200mph record for the 10cc class. This was at Barkston Heath at the Nationals in the early 1980s; the OS engine manufacturers from Japan were there on the day with Ron Irvine from Irvine Engines and the record caused quite a stir and atmosphere on the day. He competed in con...