New regulations regarding all Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)’s 250g -20kg come into force 30th November 2019. Please refer to latest BMFA news for updates
Everyone wishing to fly model aircraft will have to:
Pass – Register – Label
Pass an online (or offline hard copy) test to get a Flyer ID if you want to fly a drone or model aircraft.
Register for an Operator ID if you’re responsible for a drone or model aircraft
Label any drones and model aircraft you’re responsible for with your Operator ID
Everythree years all USAV operators (Unmaned Small Aerial Vehicles) need to sit, and pass, an online test to qualify for a Flyer ID
Minimum age: None, but children under 13 can only register with a parent or guardian present.
For those without internet access a hard copy of the test will be available. (Details yet to be confirmed)
Exemption from the Test for those holding a BMFA proficiency scheme “A” Certificate has been agreed.
Important information for BMFA members
BMFA members will not be required to take the DRES test with the current online system. With permission an alternate online DRES test will be offered through the BMFA direct at a later date. (Details yet to be confirmed)
For those without internet access a hard copy of the BMFA DRES test will be available at a later date. (Details yet to be confirmed)
There is an annual fee for registration as an operator of £9.00
Operators will be issued an Operator ID
Label any drones and model aircraft you’re responsible for with your Operator ID
Important information for BMFA members
BMFA members are not required to register as an operator with the current CAA online system. With permission the BMFA will administrator Registration and the annual £9.00 p.a. fee for its members. This will take place initially by 31 January 2020
White Sheet Members
You may choose to register and take the test independently with the CAA online system but please be advised, your membership of the BMFA is a condition required by White Sheet RFC to maintain compliance with the National Trust.
As it stands today, as members of the BMFA you can choose to delay your DRES registration and test process in favour of completing requirements through the BMFA with your annual BMFA membership renewal. (Full details of this service are yet to be announced)
As always:
Full responsibility for safe operation remains with the person operating the UAV.
It is up to individual operators to assure themselves of the accuracy of the data and comply with all UK drone rules and regulations.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE FOR ALL MEMBERS
Nationally there has been an increase in claims on the BMFA insurance resulting in an increase in premiums for 2019.
Other than an emergency caused by equipment failure this should not happen if members are flying in accordance with club rules and the safety guidance provided by the BMFA.
In particular pilots should:
Only fly when standing on an agreed flightline for the conditions on the day.
Stand within communication distance of each other when flying.
Do not fly over or behind the flightline.
Do not fly over the pits, people, or parked cars.
Before each flight check that the failsafe for your particular Rx is correctly set and consider the SWEETS and SMART Acronyms.
SWEETS.S– Sun
– Where is the sun in relation to where you will be flying? Will it affect your flight patterns? What actions will you take if you accidentally fly ‘through ’ the sun? Should you be wearing sunglasses? Remember that low sun in winter can be a particular problem.
W – Wind
– Consider the wind strength and direction. How will this affect your flights? Will you have to modify your normal launch and, especially, your landing patterns? From your local knowledge, will there be any turbulence with ‘this’ wind direction and strength? And how bad might it be?
E – Eventualities
– What will you do if you hear or see a full size aircraft or helicopter flying at low level near the slope? What if the landing area is suddenly obstructed when you are on finals to land? What will you do if members of the public enter the slope.
E – Emergencies
How will you warn other field users if you have an emergency?
T – Transmitter Control Are you familiar with the system and understand how it works?
S – Site Rules
– Are there any specific site rules you should be aware of? Most importantly, where are the no- fly zones or dead airspace areas on the site?
SMART
Before Connecting Drive battery or starting engine check:
S – Switches ON (Tx before Rx)
M – Model selected is correct.
A – Aerial secure / extended if appropriate.
R – Rate switches all in correct positions.
T -Transmitter voltage good and Trims all in correct positions.
Apologies if this is seen as teaching an elderly female relative to suck eggs, but it is in all our interests to ensure that we operate and fly our models in a safe manner and that we maintain our excellent safety record..
WITH THANKS TO DAVID BRADFIELD AND FROME MODEL FLYING CLUB.
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Chris Williams 
British Association of Radio Control Soarers 
