Further to the recent publication of CAP1775 which launched a consultation on the CAA's proposed arrangements for registration fees for operators of unmanned aircraft, the UK model flying association (BMFA/LMA/SAA & FPVUK) held a meeting last night with advisers. The text in CAP1775 is far more serious than the issue of registration fees alone.  The consultation reveals that key policy decisions (such as age limits, not allowing us to register members on their behalf and repetitive competen...

Following the recent sudden announcement of Flight Restriction Zones around protected aerodromes capturing the operation of all unmanned aircraft of any weight and at any height (and the unreasonable three week notice period given for our clubs and members to comply), the CAA have dropped yet another bombshell on us with no prior warning. They have today published a consultation (CAP1775) on their proposed charges for the registration of all operators of unmanned aircraft – which includes all ...

The Free Flight Forum Report is now in its thirty-fourth year. This year’s is just out and it’s the biggest yet, with no less than 17 papers, covering a vast range of the topics that make free-flight so fascinating.   Only Joules and Forces- Peter Watson; Classic 1/2A Models - Simon Dixon; Trimming the Sopwith Snipe - Mike Smith; Russell Strips - Russell Peers; Testing June 2016 Tan Super Sport in April 2017 - Tim Chant; Developments in Carbon Wing Construction - Stuart Darmon; ...

Updated list of Mandatory Questions. To take in to account recent changes to the regulations that affect the flying of model aircraft the list of Mandatory questions has been updated to reflect the changes. The new list is reproduced below and is also available to view on the achievement scheme website at https://achievements.bmfa.org/mandatory-questions the online quiz has also been updated to reflect the changes. See https://achievements.bmfa.org/quizzes/mandatory-questions-quiz All the sta...

Following the recent changes to the Air Navigation Order (ANO) which introduced Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) around protected Aerodromes (with effect from the 13th March), the CAA have now updated the PERMISSION for Association members to continue operating ‘conventional’ model aircraft (excluding multi-rotors) weighing less than 7Kg at heights exceeding 400ft.  The full text of this PERMISSION can be viewed HERE. There are a couple of important features contained within the new PERMISSION,...

Obituary by Terry Jones Northern Ireland Area Secretary & Achievement Scheme Co-ordinator It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Robert Wallace. He lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at his home on 3rd April 2019. He leaves behind his dearly beloved wife Jacqui, much loved daughter Paula, son-in-law Columb, much loved granddaughter Clara. Robert was not only my good friend but also my mentor, small in stature but with a huge heart, I always say the bigge...

Following the changes to the Air Navigation Order (ANO) which came into effect today, we have received a number of queries from members and clubs regarding the status of the existing CAA Permission to operate model aircraft (not including multi-rotors) of less than 7Kg above 400ft (and also the FPV Exemption) issued last year for the benefit of those operating within one of the recognised UK Associations. The Permission/Exemption documents require updates to reflect the recent changes to the te...

The CAA have today issued an exemption to permit control line model aircraft flight within the Flight Restriction Zones that come in to force on 13th March 2019 without seeking permission from the ATC unit or aerodrome operator. The exemption is available to download from the link below. http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/1296.pdf   Another example of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to protect our sporting activities.    

All Party Parliamentary Group has supported the BMFA, announcing that the new set of regulations intended to tighten rules on drone operators is in danger of having a disproportionately negative effect on the model flying community.   See the link below for the press release from the APPG http://www.generalaviationappg.uk/new-drones-law-punishes-british-model-flying-community/  

The 2019 Scale Indoor RC Nationals will now be held on 12th May. All other details remain the same. The entry form & details are now available on the appropriate Nationals page of the website.(See under "Contests & Events" on the menu bar at the top of this page.)