Jump to content

BMFA subs increase.


Recommended Posts

Pete

I am a little surprised and disappointed at your experience.

In my area (NW) two BMFA affiliated clubs recently ran Fly-Ins. These two clubs reported that from their perspective the events were successful. In that BMFA members from across the UK were present. They were welcomed, and encouraged to fly. The BMFA Proficiency scheme was used as the yard stick for competency of the individual. The events ran safely, the internal members of the clubs involved providing guidance and authority to modes of operation, including spotting etc. It appeared that those attending were pleased, there being 60 visitors that I counted at the one I attend.

Not all clubs are the same though, or so it seems. Personally I would encourage fly-ins, for numerous benefits for BMFA members and their clubs.

PS. I would encourage the recognition that the proficiency schemes are primarily being used to ensure that modelers are aware of the legal obligations of operating a model aircraft and have a minimum level of competence to operate the aircraft. As this is how many clubs use the "A" scheme and public event organisers use the "B" scheme.It would also appear that the CAA see the schemes as useful from their perspective. Very few are interested in personal achievement. With this in my mind the objectives of the scheme should be viewed with these issues and objectives as the purpose,, with respect to the structure and content. Perhaps there would be no change, although the goals would now be clear.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks both , it just appeared to me as the thread was a bit of" BMFA bashing" , so whats new there , but its the devil we know ! But I recon we all must bear some responsibility for todays situation .But what can we do ??

I harp back to our "friendlyness" we used to have local club meets where other clubs were invited to come for a day out and share experiences , that has not happened for years , now we tend to keep to what we know and share nowt !

cheers ,

I hate foamies but fly little else these days ! ( have I changed with the times? ) ( for the better ????????)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

you've just bought a drone (or maybe your second or third) and have discovered that insurance is a good idea and want some

do you -

a) attempt to join a bmfa affiliated club which will likely cost £80+ and is somewhat likely to not like drone flyers

b) join the bmfa, perceived as a mainly fixed wing and helicopter outfit, at £35

c) join fpvuk, who actively promote themselves as 'for drone flyers' and costs £20

I've said it before, the bulk of new blood in the RC game is with drones, so the association painting themselves as 'drone specialists' are right there when the new guys arrive. BMFA has the wrong image to pick up the new starters. The FPVUK ship has already sailed.

BMFA would be wise to consider a merger with them. A combined organisation could work much better than two separate ones.

In all honesty, if I was not in a BMFA affiliated club, what would I join? I can't say for sure it would be BMFA.

Something that struck me about the recent Battle of Britain programme was how all the line of sight flyers were playing about with the FPV kit. You know what? Us, the fixed wingers, the helicopter pilots, all of use "traditional" pilots - we're the same crowd as the new school drone flyers, divided by some stupid "my toys are better than your toys" stuff.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well said BEB.

Our club numbers are down this year, so apologies to all for causing the fees being proposed to be increased, not the BMFAs fault though.

It's all take for some people, they're never there when you need a hand, or a bit of support, (bit like club life)

NFC...The vote was held, they won, (did you go vote) they've stood by all they said, from where I'm sat, lots of effort is going into making it something for more than the competition element, next year they team up with the RCME holding Fly ins, hope it's a great success myself.

Work done by the various associations over the new regs, looks to be having a better outcome for us than I expected, I'm very grateful. BMFA needs a little extra from me next year ? Fine by me, don't make a habit of it though. wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted by Andy Symons - BMFA on 12/09/2018 10:33:02:
No you dont have to be a memeber or pay a fee, just ensure the examiner lets the office know in advance the candidates details so the insurance can be extended to cover them.

Its one of the many things the BMFA does that can benefit all model clyers whether they be members or not.

You are missing an income stream there. If not a BMFA member and can still benefit from the proficiency test. So all the time and effort club instructors do is for what!

Come on , that’s really unfair. If you are not a BMFA member, pay up for the test. Like we have to pay the subs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lets get one fact straight - most BMFA members did not get the chance to vote on the National Flying Centre! Only club delegates who actually attended were allowed to vote. And how many of those club delegates actually carried out a poll asking each of their members which way to vote? It was a project which was for the benefit of those clubs located close to the Centre. Nice field for them at our expense,while we have to struggle to find & pay for our own field.

Now they put up the subs! Those of us who were against the NFC knew this would happen.

A few weekends ago I had to drive along the A1  on a Saturday and had a few hours to spare so I thought it was my one chance look in at the NFC .    Guess what   - it was closed for a non aeromodelling private function!    Disgusting that it's not available for members when they want to visit at a weekend in summer.

 

 

Edited By kc on 12/09/2018 18:41:57

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This club delegate canvased his members, voted as instructed and voted NO, the idea you'd not the chance to vote is questionable at best, unless you lived in a info free zone or your club never bothered taking it's own voice seriously, proxy votes allowed. Are they putting subs up to use for the N.F.C ? if so, show the evidence.

It was stated from the onset, the center would be used for other purposes to provide an income stream, isn't that what you want...it to be self financing? You're also advised to look before going, as they may have an event on.

Edited By john stones 1 on 12/09/2018 18:47:50

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted by cymaz on 12/09/2018 18:21:06:
Posted by Andy Symons - BMFA on 12/09/2018 10:33:02:
No you dont have to be a memeber or pay a fee, just ensure the examiner lets the office know in advance the candidates details so the insurance can be extended to cover them.

Its one of the many things the BMFA does that can benefit all model clyers whether they be members or not.

You are missing an income stream there. If not a BMFA member and can still benefit from the proficiency test. So all the time and effort club instructors do is for what!

Come on , that’s really unfair. If you are not a BMFA member, pay up for the test. Like we have to pay the subs.

That's exactly the point I was trying to make! Commercial operators are taking advantage of the BMFA's "free" certification scheme rather than pay for a proper commercial course.

When I was a member of the BMFA council, some years ago, we were repeatedly being told that the Achievement Scheme was purely a measure of personal achievement, and not a "license" in any sense of the word. I warned at the time that the CAA didn't appear to view it that way, and it appears that neither do the commercial operators.

Whilst I have no problem with this modest increase in the BMFA fee, I do think it behoves the BMFA to try and maximise its other income where possible. The BMFA really needs to start charging non-members to take the tests.

On another tack, I see the NFC being dragged in to this again. We won't know the ins and outs of its financial situation until the accounts are revealed at the AGM. However, no start-up ever makes a profit in its first year - unless its very crooked, anyway! I live over 250 miles from the NFC, but have already visited it twice for retro meets that would not have happened without it, and once for an international contest that brought flyers from all over Europe! The Europeans were so impressed by it, they were asking about the possibility of holding a European Championship event there.

From my perspective, it has been money well spent!

--

Pete

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If a non member comes to our club, I take him/her for a test, who gets the money ? how big is this number of tests ? does good will mean nothing, what about the calls for the BMFA to get out there and educate during the "drone" kerfuffle ?

We talking substantial money here or being petty ?

Edited By john stones 1 on 12/09/2018 18:58:23

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted by Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator on 12/09/2018 19:08:19:

Guys can we try and show some sensible restraint here please? Much of this is well off topic, and unhelpful.

Just to remind you - the topic is that the proposed subs increase is £4.

BEB

I don’t mind the subs going up to fund insurance and improve membership benefits. But NOT at the advantage of non paying individuals/ flyers. Who walk away with the benefits of an achievement with none of the financial commitments. My subs increase is subsidising non members.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted by Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator on 12/09/2018 10:54:02:

Folks ask why we are not benefiting from the "drone dividend"? I agree many are just gadget tweakers so will never be really involved long term. But a good number are more than that, so you might ask why haven't they joined us? Well er,...do you think the blantant hostility that eminanted from pages such as these from our comunity towards these new flyers might have payed a small part? The effective erection of huge "You are not welcome here" signs". When some of us did speak up for inclusion we were shouted down. In fact one committee member in a club I am a member of remarked "the day a drone flys from our strip will the day I leave this club" With such welcoming attitudes is any wonder they're not here. The BMFA did its best to attract drone flyers I think, but if the grass roots membership doesn't back it up it isn't going to work.

The increase? It's not even 8p a week for heaven sake - its less than the cost of a servo extsion lead! I'm not a unqualified fan of the BMFA, in particular I have major issues with its governance, but day-to-day it does a damn good job and without them we would be in big trouble with respect to the new legislation - and we ain't out of the woods yet. So I'll happily pay the exta £4 if that is what is voted for at the AGM.

BEB

Maybe there's some truth in here David, I think so.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...