DfT publishes amendments to the Air Navigation Order. The Department for Transport (DfT) yesterday published further amendments to the Air Navigation Order which impact on all users of Small Unmanned Aircraft, including the model flying community.  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-drone-safety-partnership-with-business-launched-as-government-sets-out-plans-to-limit-drone-misuse Further details of the amendments can be found in CAP1763 (as the CAA have the unenviable task of implementing ...

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Bill Michie on Wednesday 9th January 2019. Bill was born in Essex but his family moved to West Africa when he was aged 2. They then moved to Rhodesia where Bill served in the Rhodesian Air Force 74 - 81 before moving to South Africa. He flew precision aerobatics (F3A) in South Africa - called pattern then - and won several National competitions, but was not in the National Team due to work and family commitments. Made the FunFly Championsh...

Notice to Club Officials – Fraud Warning It has come to our attention that some sports clubs, including some model aircraft clubs are being targeted by fraudsters. Club officials are receiving an email from address chairsaa@aol.com and other similar email addresses with the following text Hi XXXXXX We need to make a payment by Bank transfer, would you be able to do it today? let me know if you can Regards, XXXXXX Please double check with other club officials and take extra care before m...

Sadly on the 19th December Noel passed away in Alnwick Infirmary , aged 82. His family comprising Mel, Zoe and Lia were at his bedside. The funeral was held in St Pauls church Alnwick where the numbers attending indicated how much Noel was loved and respected-very much so. His family are greatly appreciative of the condolence cards and messages of sympathy they have received about their Dad. Noel was well known in the local area , clubs and societies of various kinds and from the aeromodelling c...

The Department for Transport has published the Government’s response to the public consultation on the Future of Drones in the UK.  There were 5061 responses to the consultation with 1947 respondents identifying themselves as ‘model flyers’ and 2310 identifying themselves as ‘using drones for leisure’. Several members have suggested that the publication is a knee jerk reaction to the recent issues reported at Gatwick and whilst the Aviation Minister does make reference to Gatwick, the cont...

The latest drafts of the EASA regulations for unmanned aircraft were published recently by the European Commission and contain a significant and positive development for model flyers.  DG MOVE (the European Transport Commission) submitted a proposal to remove model flying conducted within Associations/Clubs from the EASA regulations and this seems to have gained acceptance. The latest draft Implementing Act introduces this principle: (25) Since model aircraft are considered as UAS and given th...

It is with sadness that I have to report the death of Robert (Bob) Cutter, who passed away on 29th August. Bob was a founder member of the Felbridge Flyers Radio Control Model Club in 1979. Bob joined the BMFA South East Area Committee in 1982 as Chairman until 2013 when he stood down, over 30 years in the post. Bob was a happy jolly person and always saw the funny side of life even in recent years as his health deteriorated. His funeral will be on Thursday 6th September at 3pm at the Surrey a...

We have the following items of lost property from the Nationals. Please call the office on 0116 2440028 or email to admin@bmfa.org if any of the items are yours.   BMW car keys Large navy Peter Storm jacket Pair of motorbike gloves Pair of reading glasses Lorus watch Timex watch (a member has this and will forward it on if the owner is found) Black wallet Samsung S8 Galaxy Phone Key for buggy with yellow tag and 2 rings

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...