The replacement contests for a cut down substitute Free Flight Nationals will not be the same as the “real” Nationals. We will apply a “light touch” organisation. The contests will be flown for their respective Free Flight Nationals trophies. The contests will be run to the standard gala format. Free Flight Scale - Sculthorpe The STC will run a casual free flight scale session with no specific contests at the East Anglian Gala. Bowden Trophy – Sculthorpe S...

Following a ‘strategic review of model flying’ which the CAA completed earlier this year, they took the decision that each model flying Association would be issued with its own specific Article 16 Authorisation (rather than the combined one which came into effect on 31st December).As such, the BMFA has now been issued with a revised Article 16 Authorisation for the benefit of its members, which is effective immediately (from 17 May 2021).The key changes include removal of age limits ...

“Affordable Competition Flying”a look at what is available to the beginner to BMFA Competitions with the emphasis on Scale and Rudder, Elevator, Spoiler’ controlled RC Soarers.with Andy Sephton, 18th May 2021 @ 7.30pmClick here to register for this webinar.

Despite Covid and thanks to Zoom, the Free Flight Forum took place in November and the 2021 Free Flight Forum Report is now available. It covers a wide range of topics to inform, challenge and inspire you, whatever your free-flight interest and for the first time, it’s in full colour.Indoor Duration - A Challenge to Conventional Design - Tony Hebb; Coupe in a Box - Gavin Manion; Building Other People's Mistakes - Stuart Darmon; The Models of Ray Monks – Simon Dixon;  Si...

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our long-term Patron, HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.Prince Philip became Patron of the Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers (now trading as BMFA) in 1957 and, despite relinquishing many of his patronages when he stepped back from public duties over recent years, he remained in place as our patron for a remarkable 64 years.  Prince Philip also served two terms as Chairman of the Royal Aero Club and had also served as its Preside...

Gordon Cornell, one of the great characters of UK aeromodelling, has died peacefully at the age of 88. Probably as famous for his eccentric personality as for his enormous talent as an engineer and craftsman, Gordon’s whole life was lived in model aviation, from his professional involvement with FROG and ED in the fifties, to his cottage industry supplying hand- built diesel engines, which occupied him until his brief final illness.         &nbs...

The BMFA Article 16 Authorisation includes a requirement for remote pilots to report certain accidents, serious incidents and other occurrences to the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).  This was an existing requirement, but has been emphasised in the terms of our Authorisation.To read the full guidance about mandatory occurrence reporting see https://rcc.bmfa.uk/art16-occurrence-reporting If you have been involved in an incident and are not sur...

EnglandThe regulations surrounding the easing of restrictions from Monday 29th March have been released.See https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/364/schedule/1/madeModel flying club sites can reopen from Monday 29th March. Where a club is operating in a COVID secure manner and has implemented the BMFA 6 Steps to Covid security guidance in full (see https://clubsupport.bmfa.uk/6-steps-to-covid-secure ) the gathering limits (Rule of 6) do NOT apply.It is important to note that after conducting...

Obituary for Chris Tompkins - RIPWe are greatly saddened to report the passing of Chris Tompkins during February 2021. Chris started aeromodelling in 1946 while still at school and joined the Oxford Meteor Model Flying Club in 1948 and was then flying free-flight power and later became active in R/C thermal soaring competitions. He played a major part in establishing BARCS (British Association of Radio Control Soarers) as the special interest group within the BMFA. He was BARCS member ...

WalesThe overarching stay-at-home restriction will be replaced with a new, interim, stay local rule in Wales. This will mean people can leave their homes and travel within their local area – usually within five miles – but this will be flexible, particularly for people who live in rural areas and for those whose nearest shops and public services are further away. Outdoor sports facilities can reopen, including model flying club sites. A maximum of four people from two households can ...