<p>Representatives from the UK Model Flying Associations met with the Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton at the Department for Transport yesterday (Tuesday 5th June 2019).</p> <p>Whilst the meeting provided a good opportunity for both sides to clarify their position and understand each other’s priorities, there is little in the way of good news to … Read More

<p>Representatives of the UK Model Flying Associations met with the CAA yesterday afternoon (29th May 2019).</p> <p>The meeting was constructive, but without any real breakthrough to report at this stage. </p> <p>The CAA were only able to discuss potential options within the restrictive policy framework dictated by the DfT.  One such option is the possibility of … Read More

<p>** IMPORTANT UPDATE ** CAA PROPOSALS PLEASE READ &amp; SHARE **</p> <p>We would like to thank all members who have responded to the CAA consultation at <a href="https://consultations.caa.co.uk/finance/drone-registration/">https://consultations.caa.co.uk/finance/drone-registration/</a> and who have written to the Aviation Minister, CAA CEO and your local MPs’</p> <p>Yesterday (3/5/2019), the BMFA's CEO has been contacted and asked to attend a … Read More

<p>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.</p> <p>They … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

<p>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.</p> <p>The exemption is available to download from the link below.</p> <p><a href="http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/1296.pdf" target="_blank">http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/1296.pdf</a></p> <p> </p> <p>Another example of … Read More

<p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p>See the link below for the press release from the APPG</p> <p><a href="http://www.generalaviationappg.uk/new-drones-law-punishes-british-model-flying-community/" target="_blank">http://www.generalaviationappg.uk/new-drones-law-punishes-british-model-flying-community/</a></p> <p> </p>

<p><a name="_Hlk1646043"></a><strong>DfT publishes amendments to the Air Navigation Order.</strong></p> <p>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.  <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-drone-safety-partnership-with-business-launched-as-government-sets-out-plans-to-limit-drone-misuse">https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-drone-safety-partnership-with-business-launched-as-government-sets-out-plans-to-limit-drone-misuse</a></p> <p>Further details of the amendments can be found in CAP1763 (as the CAA have the unenviable … Read More

<p>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’.</p> <p>Several members have suggested that the publication is a knee … Read More