Andy Symons - BMFA

That would be the regulations that have a specific facility to exempt model aircraft flying from remote ID and pretty much everything else that is being considered, that was also carried in to the UK regulations. Sounds like you want that facility removed. Which is odd.

Exactly the BMFA position.

Any of the regulations can be changed going forward, but that has always been the case since model aircraft flying came in to existence. You do seem to think it's something new for some reason. It is why it's important that we engage in a constructive way when there are consultations and as many of us as possible submit responses. So far, we have done a very good job of minimising the effects of regulatory changes.

Still not sure what your point is. They EU regulations were a pragmatic solution for model flying as they enabled, thanks to the work of the BMFA CEO, the facility of the CAA to issue Article 16 authorisations, which means that at the moment barely nothing has changed for model flying as BMFA members. Nowhere does Article 16 or the provisions for it include remote ID. The BMFA is strongly against remote ID for model aircraft flying as the BMFA response clearly states. However if you aren't happy with the BMFA response you have the opportunity to submit your thoughts to the consultation.

Not sure what your point is. The statement in the reponse is entirely correct.

From the response. However, the BMFA would be strongly opposed to any Remote ID requirements for model aircraft. Our members have a collective fleet of around 500,000 aircraft which are usually operated from fixed remote locations well away from areas likely to require Remote ID interrogation and within VLOS of the pilot (generally making it easy for them to be identified in the unlikely event of there being a requirement). The BMFA believes that Remote ID would be disproportionate and unnecessary imposition on the model flying community. The EU regulations do not mandate any Remote ID requirements for aircraft operated under an Article 16 Authorisation within the framework of model flying associations, or for model aircraft within the Open Category (A3, C4) and the BMFA requests that this position is maintained in any amendments made to the UK regulations. What if keeping alignment with our neighbours is best for us?

I am always saddened to hear that the regulations have contributed to someone thinking of giving up. Barely anything has changed for us and we can do just about everything we always have been able to do.

yes no problem

Neither, its dropped on "have dropped a late summer fly-in on to the calendar."

Well spotted, definitely 29th, will get the poster updated.

After a month or so of very changeable weather and many effected events we have decided to stick two fingers up to the weather gods and have dropped a late summer fly-in on to the calendar. Tuesday 29th August - Friday 1st September at BMFA Buckminster. Who is going to join me to take advantage of the fantastic facilities at your National Centre?

It is likely to be sent out tomorrow. 24th.

That is the plan, it is subject to the teams sending me reports to use though. The hope is to have them all at https://bmfa.org/gbr-teams

Final results are in from the F3D Pylon Racing World Championships in Drachten, Holland. We are pleased to report the best ever GBR Team finish, just missing out on a medals in 4th Place. What a great effort from the Team of Ollie Witt, Shane Egan and Nathan Attridge. Team Manager Barrie Lever has been providing regular reports from the Championships which you can read at https://bmfa.org/gbr-teams/f3d-pylon-racing-world-championships Congratulations and well done to all involved.

Use https://funfly.bmfa.org/

An opportunity to come and fly at BMFA Buckminster, perhaps the best model flying facility in the country. A relaxed fly-in for all types of aircraft, fixed wing, helicopters, camera drones and racing drones. Also the opportunity to have a go at any of the achievement scheme tests. Very informal, but we are happy to arrange slots by type if that is what attendees want, e.g. Warbird slots etc.

You will get a couple of reminders from the BMFA about your CAA renewal, which can be done from 28 days before it expires through the BMFA, you will also start to get renewal reminders direct from the CAA from 21 days before expiry. While you can put BMFA on auto renew we haven't activated that for CAA renewals, its under consideration but due to the bugs features of the CAA system it may cause a few issues.

We would have certainly look to see if anything could be done.

I couldn't agree more, it is great fun and is very safe, the statistics back this up. However it is very safe because we have developed procedures and 'best practice' to ensure it is so.

There is no doubt drones will be used in more and more scenarios. Tonight's BMFA In the Air Tonight session talked about one of them. Seehttps://itat-forum.bmfa.uk/season-3/bmfa-in-the-air-tonight-20-06-2023-using-drone-technology-to-bring-smarter-greener-logistics-to-the-nhs-with-apian-aero#post-518

No it really isn't. It's nothing more than a very rare and very tragic accident, the type of aircraft is completely irrelevant. As long as the the opportunity is taken to learn from it that is all that can be asked.

Oh please! It appears to have been an accident caused by poor communication, there is no indication that any reckless flying was taking place. these incidents are incredibly rare and model flying, especially in the UK has an excellent safety record. We should look to see if anything can be learnt from the incident, the BMFA are already reviewing guidance, which is pretty good anyway, to see if improvements can be made to it. Clubs should also look to see what lessons can be learned and also remind members about the importance of good communication especially when entering the live flying area. A notice has already been sent to all clubs about it.

Weather looks perfectly flyable on Friday according to XC weather.

That isnt too far different to the distance challenge, fly whatever you want as often or as little as you want, just during the eight hour period wheb your club selects to take part, dates are between 1st and 9th July so incorporates 2 weekends. I would image where a club wants to turn it in to a big family event (hopefully all of them) there will be food! 😉 My local club did a Macmillan coffee morning last year which was a great success, a bit of flying, coffee and a large variety of cakes! Whats not to like? Apart from pineapple upside down cake of course. 🤮

The issue with the record attempts for many is its on a set date which immediately rules quite a number of clubs and leaves you open to the vagaries of the weather. One of the drivers behind the distance challenge is for it to be flexible enough so as many clubs as possible have the opportunity to take part, also as mamy members too as anyone no matter what level they are at can take part even those on buddy keads. Happy for other ideas though