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.)

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...