Pablo56 Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Hi. There are lots of websites saying I need a licence for an RC Helicopter but not one with a link to getting one. I beleive I need two types of licence. New here so help needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve too Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Some reading here as well. https://bmfa.org/category/regulatory-matters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dickw Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 22 minutes ago, Pablo56 said: Hi. There are lots of websites saying I need a licence for an RC Helicopter but not one with a link to getting one. I beleive I need two types of licence. New here so help needed. If you are a member of the BMFA, have a look here https://rcc.bmfa.uk/ Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Trying to renew my registration but getting nowhere with CAA site, just does not recognize me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 My very good friend ( Chauffer to be I hope ) did all his needed legal stuff in an afternoon with no problems whatsoever, and apart from insurance ( not a legal requirement sub 250g ) is now ready to fly, just needs training. Years ago he was a free flighter and won some comps for his age group then. So, Pablo, it can be done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denis Watkins Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 16 minutes ago, J D 8 said: Trying to renew my registration but getting nowhere with CAA site, just does not recognize me. Sign in to your BMFA just go account IS CAA membership is in there 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo56 Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 If you are a member of the BMFA, have a look here I am not a member. Just starting out. Do I need an Operator ID as well? What is the difrence. What about insurance? Are there specialist companies. Don't think I could add this to my home insurance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Welcome to the forum Pablo. This page from the BMFA website explains - ask again if you don't understand and someone will explain. Very simple really. Legally you don't have to have insurance but everyone considers it essential nowadays- I have seen just a slight wrong signal on a helicopter cause a £900 dent in a car! Joining the BMFA gives you insurance and other benefits. Most clubs require BMFA insurance & membership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo56 Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 (edited) Okay thanks. I think insurance would be benificial. I have fields behind me to fly in so no problems, however I don't want to smash up an expensive helicopter as I am new to this. I saw this on Amazon. They seem to be getting cheeper. Last year I looked, twice as much. I will be guided by your experteese here. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Channels-Helicopter-Charging-Electric-Aircraft/dp/B09KMVSZPD/ref=sr_1_17?crid=1WJ8691VAUM71&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1wOF6bcmSpBQrT4WuZSD7TYLSqG80ks8PoROxxKFz7SWr0ocb4zONnu6as1w8FlU_mUCp21hSsbUwr_wBMMyGw.cgn8xX82EVbPgzCrsvqqNBka9Gm7X3Fd627bslSiLq8&dib_tag=se&keywords=rc+helicopter&qid=1705005640&sprefix=rc+helicopter%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-17 Edited January 11 by Pablo56 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Skilbeck Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Sorry, but those cheap co-axial helicopters are not much good, I "test" flew one a few years back and it was pretty hopeless. You'd be much better with a recognised one like a Blade 120 or Twister Ninja If you are just starting out alone do not get a larger helicopter, they can do a lot of damage to you, these small ones would be a good starting point if trying to go it alone. Even if they are less than 250g so don't need an operator ID, it's worth getting the flyer and operator ID as the online test shows you've understood the legal requirements to fly. If you are planning on taking the hobby further then a club and BMFA are the way to go. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 I as well as others can recommend the ninja twister or the new medi Heli as advertised at the very top of your screen. Not super expensive but get a spare battery or two, and s lipo bag to store them in. Just because a model is relatively small does not mean it cannot do damage. You have the land owners permission to fly from the fields ? Bmfa membership and insurance could be a "mind changer" to the land owner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Harris Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 As far as I know there is no legal requirement for insurance or to join any organization to fly a toy plane. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Pablo, if you are in the UK, the BMFA is our governing body regarding model flying https://bmfa.org/ On the website you will find all the information you need to get you flying safely and legally. It will help you greatly if you know what you want to do as thus will drive your choices and actions. For example, if you have permission to fly in the local field, and just potter about with a helicopter under 250g, with no camera, you can just buy it and fly. If your ambitions are greater, the best advice is to find your local club, and pop along for a conversation face to face. On the BMFA website, there is a 'Club finder' function to help you. The link you provided is really to a true 'toy'...... it won't fly very well, and if you break it, I doubt you'll get spares. The Ninjas that have been mentioned are 'proper' model helicopters, with good spare parts availability (which you will probably need!). But....... they are limited to pretty calm conditions, or even indoors. As Arthur mentioned above, insurance is not compulsory, but third party insurance is highly recommended. If you join a club, they will probably want you join BMFA, which gives you cover. Good luck! Let us know how you get on..... and please feel free to come back and ask more questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pablo56 Posted January 12 Author Share Posted January 12 (edited) Okay. Thanks for your help and advise I will probably go with the Nija. Bit cold and wet at the moment but will get stucki in, in a few months with all the paperwork. Would need to find a local club also pref in the YO17 postal code area. Edited January 12 by Pablo56 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 (edited) Good choice with the ninja, quite s tough little bird which flies well. I would not fly it indoors unless you have a sports hall sized room ( king span foam with aluminium backing I reckon causes radio problems ). They fly well in sports halls, and I do fly mine on the local football pitch with the flags on s near by house flying a quarter to a third flying. Always fly up wind and close. I stand one side of the centre circle and keep the Helo within the centre circle ( well most of the time ). It's s small Helo and can "blend into" the background easily so be ware. Keep it under control as it can/will fly away quite quickly in a breeze. Fly it on beginners mode and learn the stick/button functions way before your first flight. Enjoy...but join the bmfa or similar. Edited January 12 by Rich Griff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterF Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 12 hours ago, Pablo56 said: Okay thanks. I think insurance would be benificial. I have fields behind me to fly in so no problems, however I don't want to smash up an expensive helicopter as I am new to this. I have not seen any company that will insure your equipment whilst it is in use. The insurance is third party so if your model injures somebody or damages their property such as flying into their car or house. You can also cover it under house contents insurance for fire and theft. If you crash your model whilst flying and damage it then that is not covered and repair / replacement costs are on you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Just like a car ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Look at the BMFA find a club section and find a club near to you and go and chat with the members. This will give you lots of information. Phone the secretary beforehand and find when the helicopter pilots will be there. Having an expert set up your heli will no doubt save you from crashing the first time you try! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 17 hours ago, Denis Watkins said: Sign in to your BMFA just go account IS CAA membership is in there Sorted I hope.😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve too Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 8 hours ago, Pablo56 said: Would need to find a local club also pref in the YO17 postal code area. In my experience helicopter instructors are rare. Make sure to ask about instruction and any restrictions on helicopters before you join. As you may have noticed, there are lots of BMFA fans on this forum. You only need to join the BMFA if you want to join a BMFA affiliated club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted January 13 Share Posted January 13 (edited) With the ninja, just LEARN what each stick and button function does. Learn it until it's second nature, instinct, automatic with virtually no thinking time. You will not have the time to refer to the book when flying... In my opinion it's folly not to have insurance. Having insurance does not counter " neglegence" or stupidity. For insurance cover you must be flying legally. Print off the bmfa handbook etc. and become fully aware of your responsibilities. Joining the bmfa gives you good insurance etc.. Yes, check out your local club, will bmfa country membership allow you local club flying site access ? Also investigate local club Mode Prefferance, mode 1, mode 2 ? If you progress into fixed wing model flying, your chosen mode ( stick functions ) for the ninja, may clash with fixed wing mode. No matter how hard I try, in a stressful "mode2" flying occurrence, no matter how slow the model is flying, I always seem to revert to mode 1 operation, the mode I was initially trained in. So, get legal and insured, learn stick functions off by heart, follow all instructions in the book ( calibration etc. ) , Pick your day ( not much wind blowing towards open space rather than a road etc. ) And give it a go. With the ninja which is easily held via tail boom, finger and thumb, you can have a well held tethered "flight" to see/feel stick influences. Even gently holding the Helo via the landing skids, you can have a tethered flight. Just be carefull, the rotor blades are not eye friendly ? The instruction book will explain things like stick digital trims etc.. The ninja is quite easy to fly successfully ( in a sports hall or outside, not in a smallish room at home in my experience ) which you will enjoy, and fly without crashing. As said ( and I was told this on here ) be carefull in more than a very very gentle breeze else it will fly away quickly and some distance ( thanks guys ). Always fly up wind. Don't fly by a lake......or water/road etc.. sods law says... Enjoy... Enough from me... .report back when stuff arrives... Edited January 13 by Rich Griff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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