New Membership Management System We will be launching our new membership management system provided by Go Membership during the week beginning 24th September. From Sunday 23rd September you will be unable to register on the BMFA website, however existing website login details will remain active so you will still have access to the classifieds and any other website features that require you to login. This system has been designed to make the joining and renewals process simpler for both individ...

The deadline is approaching for nominations for the BMFA Achievement Scheme Awards. Do you know a dedicated examiner or instructor who deserves some extra recognition? Or perhaps a test candidate who displayed exceptional dedication and perseverance? Get those nominations in before the 31st August.   See http://achievements.bmfa.org/achievement-scheme-annual-awards for further details and to download a nomination form.

Most of you will be aware that the BMFA is currently raising funds in order to install a Hard Surface Control Line Circle at the new National Model Flying Centre at Buckminster.

Press Release from the LMA and Woodspring Wings show organisers Dates changed for two well known model  airshows next year We know some keen modellers like to plan ahead. Two of the leading shows in the country, LMA Cosford and Woodspring  Wings will be swapping their running  order next year. For 26 years Woodspring show has been held on the first weekend in July and LMA Cosford followed. For 2019, the Royal Air Force have made the first weekend, July 6/7th available to the LMA for their Cosf...

As Honorary Treasurer and Chairman, and on behalf of the BMFA Council, we need to let members know about some pressures on BMFA finances.  As a not-for-profit company our aim has always been to keep the cost of membership as low as possible whilst fulfilling our financial obligations and ensuring that we do not incur a loss at the end of year.  This invariably carries some risk.  This and next years’ budgets have come under significant pressure and there are two main reasons for this - Insuranc...

It has been brought to our attention that a company RTH Drones has emailed a number of clubs and individuals. Please note that this has not been sanctioned by the BMFA and we have had no correspondence or contact with RTH Drones. Please also be assured that the BMFA has not, does not and will not sell or share contact details with third parties.

As reported previously, the government intends to introduce new laws to address the perceived safety, security and privacy threats that arise from the increasing use of drones. These new rules will affect model flying. We would encourage members to support the model flying associations, and your hobby, by responding to the public consultation.  We have prepared some advice to assist members which can be found via the link later in this article. The government’s proposals are in a document call...

The BMFA are delighted to announce a very exciting relationship with the charity SkillForce. During the past few months the BMFA and SkillForce have been looking at ways the two organisations can work together and complement one another.   Read more about this exciting new partnership and SkillForce at https://www.bmfa.org/Home/SkillForce

The Government has today published their consultation ‘Taking Flight: The Future of Drones in the UK’. The measures in the consultation are part of the Governments wider drones programme and strategy, and will help shape the content of a draft Drones Bill which will be published later this year, as well as other future measures.  The measures under consultation include: Proposals for regulating and mandating the use of ‘apps’ on which pilots would file flight plans ahead of take-off Add...

The recent 2018 amendments to the Air Navigation Order will come into effect on the 30th July, making it illegal to operate any unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) above 400ft. The UK model flying associations (BMFA, SAA, LMA & FPVUK) have been working in close collaboration in ongoing negotiations with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and we are pleased to report that earlier today the CAA issued us with a joint ‘Permission’ to allow our memb...