Andy Fox

Jersey boys got involved too! Even got on the TellyBox!!

re the "6000" figure .... maybe club secretaries have replied on behalf of their members?

Exactly .... The statement you quote does not suggest that the current database or current competancy of BMFA pilots with A's or B's etc would be unnacceptable. The BMFA might have to introduce re-testing/currency at some point to fulfill the CAA's requirements though ..... Lets hope it all pans out in a way that allows our hobby/sport/pastime (delete as appropriate) continues and is allowed to flourish.

I'd like to think that this whole process is about establishing a framework to allow a line of clear communication between all current and future users of all categories of UK airspace. Our club operates within Class D controlled airspace. We are in effect regulated, in that we have registered our main flying site and other secondary gliding sites with our local ATC. We have found that this regulation is actually an advantage, in that we can apply to ATC for a height exemption, for example, to 1000' rather than the usual 400'. Our site is marked on aviation maps as an active model flying site. On our public display days, an exclusion zone is arranged to allow for the increased activity over the display weekend. My message here, is not to be afraid of impending regulation - though I'm sure it will come - it's all about communicating your presence with other airspace users and building a mutual respect. Edited By Andy Fox on 07/05/2019 21:41:09 Edited By Andy Fox on 07/05/2019 21:42:20

This consultation is another part of a longer term strategy .... check out this document: Flying High - "Shaping the future of drones in UK cities" One thing it does talk about is identifying exclusion zones within which drone activity is banned ... everything from airports, nuclear power stations to prisons etc. The use of geo-fencing will stop access to these areas by GPS enabled drones. Of course what we need as model flyers, is our club sites to be recoginised and our fields segregated to stop commercial drones flying across them, thereby creating the aerial separation that this process is all about. The drone no-fly zone imposition has already happened with DJI drones, following a recent software update that was pushed out by the company. If the BMFA is successful with lobbying the CAA, then my crystal ball tells me that this is where we will end up - registered model flyers operating from within a geo-fenced flying site. Lets wait and see how it all pans out and support the BMFA in their efforts!

Ian "Shooting Stars" Jones rehearses his Dove From Above routine in the vain hope the show - and his model - will return

Looks as though the proposal is not to ask for remote pilots to register, but rather the operator - which could be deemed to be your club. At least that approach would reduce the number of applications - or should I say ratification of existing data held by the BMFA on our behalf?

Our club has a flying site from which we operate SUA. I use that abbreviation intentionally as that is how they are regarded by our local ATC. Our flying site is within Class D airspace and as such flying is allowed in accordance with local ATC regulations, our local ANO and BMFA guidelines upon which our club rules are based. All of the above may cause many of you to throw your hands up in horror and cry out "Too much regulation - all I want to do is enjoy my hobby!" Well, the regulation actually works rather well for us, chiefly because everyone operating within the controlled airspace knows what the other guys are doing - which is what the EASA regs are seeking to achieve. 400' height limit? Yes thats what we normally adhere to, but we have applied to ATC in the past for an increase to 1000' which has been granted, because there are mechanisms in place to inform other air users. As far as drones are concerned, they are not allowed to fly within the ATZ - without permission from ATC ... and again this isnt usually a problem. As far as registration is concerned, we already register models over 7kg and have an agreement in place with ATC, that the club maintains this register. None of the above is a problem for us - in fact in my view it would be more of a problem if we weren't operating within controlled airspace. The moral of my story? Dont be afraid of regulation .... embrace it, as it might actually be working towards your advantage!       Edited By Andy Fox on 01/06/2018 23:59:27

My Dad had one of thise cold calls from "Microsoft", saying that they'd detected a virus on his PC .... He listened to what they had to say for a while and then told them that they must be mistaken as he doesn't own a PC - and in fact he doesn't have a phone either, so can't even connect to the internet! There was a long pause at the other end, then they hung up. We all just fell about laughing!     Edited By Andy Fox on 09/05/2018 19:57:25 Edited By Andy Fox on 09/05/2018 19:57:47

Same deal when asking them if they ship to channel islands ... won't even entertain it. SMC all the way for me I'm afraid

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief as the Great Cockup Display Team were asked to show us their gimbals Edited By Andy Fox on 29/12/2017 20:50:39

That's not what I meant when I said "Anyone got a DX6 eye?"