WHAT IS THE BMFA?
The
BMFA is the National Governing Body for the sport of model flying. Its
aims are to promote, protect, organise and encourage model flying within
the UK. The mandate for the BMFA
to do this comes from the Royal Aero Club (dating back to 1922), the
Civil Aviation Authority and Sport UK.
The BMFA also represents the UK in the international forum through its recognition by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and its model flying sub committee, Commission Internationale d'Aeromodelisme (CIAM).
Here are some of the questions regularly asked of the BMFA:
- What does the BMFA do for it's members?
- What do the clubs and members do for the BMFA?
- How good is the BMFA Insurance?
- What does the members handbook include?
- What is flying site planning and protection?
- How do the instructor and achievment schemes help me or my club?
- Why does the BMFA run an education programme?
- Why do we have a BMFA News?
- What are club bulletins?
- What advice and assistance does the BMFA Provide?
- What does a club have to do to affiliate?
- Does the BMFA interfere with club organisation?
- Does the BMFA profit from members subscriptions?
- How much money is spent on competition flying?
What does the BMFA do for its clubs and members?
The
BMFA offers a complete assurance package to promote and protect model
flying in the UK and undertakes to represent all model fliers at the highest
level. This includes negotiation with our national and local government
departments, the Civil Aviation Authority, international bodies such as
the FAI and CIAM, and a wide variety of aviation, sports and recreational
bodies. By maintaining close contact with the authorities we maintain
the model flyer's status by achieving national recognition and self regulation.
The following services are also provided to its members and clubs:
- Provides £5 million third party insurance cover.
- Central Council for Physical Recreation Approved Insurance
- Member's Handbook
- Flying Site Planning and Protection (clubs only)
- Instructor Scheme
- Achievement Scheme
- Education Programmes
- Personal copies of BMFA News
- Regular Club Information Bulletins (clubs only)
- Advice, Assistance and Support whenever required on all aspects of model flying.
- Provision of free information pamphlets on a wide variety of topics.
What do the clubs and members do for the BMFA?
The
most important contribution that affiliated clubs and members offer to
the BMFA is their support to the partnership that is committed to investing
in the future of model aircraft flying. It is this support that ensures
the BMFA has the strength and resources to address the many problems and
issues that are faced on a regular basis. There is no doubt that the anti-model
flying lobby grows stronger each year and the BMFA is the only body able
to counter the threat on behalf of all model fliers.
All members and clubs are ambassadors for model flying as their community will judge model flying on local perceptions. By flying safely and responsibly, and by contributing to the local community through schools, youth groups and displays, you and your club can demonstrate the BMFA is a responsible and caring organisation.
Clubs' and members' voluntary work in support of the Association and in the promotion of model flying is vital if it is to have a cohesive future in the UK. The best work is often done by unsung volunteers at the grass roots level.
How good is the BMFA insurance?
Any
insurance is only as good as its settlement track record. Our insurers
have proven to be utterly reliable and supportive and we are able to offer
the most comprehensive package available for model aircraft flying. It
covers all aeromodelling related activities and includes:
Up to £5M Third Party Indemnity with:
- Overseas Cover (Visits to USA and Canada to be advised before departure)
- Member to Member Cover
- Club Cover*
- Committee Cover*
- Event Organisers Cover
- Landowner Cover, including the MOD*
- Ab Initio Flyer Cover*
- Foreign Visitor Cover*
- Helper Cover*
- Product Liability Cover
- Paid Flying Instruction Cover (Subject to Conditions)
- Airside Cover
- Up to £10,000 Personal Accident Indemnity (including workshop accidents)
Indemnifications marked * are automatically available to clubs on affiliation. Individual members may be granted indemnity for some of these elements on application to head office. Should you have mixed modelling activities in your club, the insurance covers boats, cars, steam powered models and kites. There is no limitation on the size of model aircraft or engines, provided CAA regulations are complied with. There's a list of frequently asked questions about the insurance scheme.
The BMFA does not sell insurance as a commercial transaction but, as a responsible National Governing Body, it provides you with the best available as a part of an assurance package. The insurance is only provided to member bodies of the Central Council of Physical Recreation and is not available elsewhere.
What does the members’ handbook include?
It
is an essential reference book for all model fliers. Not only does it
give details on the British Model Flying Association, it includes a comprehensive
safety code drawn up from the legal obligations all model fliers have
to meet, such as Air Navigation Order Articles 55 and 56, Civil Air Procedure
658, the DOE Noise Code and the Environment Act. It also includes measures
and advice on accident prevention and how to avoid the many pitfalls that
can befall model aircraft fliers.
The independent model press have stated it to be essential reading and should be read from cover to cover.
The Members' Handbook is issued individually to every member and is reviewed annually, with addendum sheets being issued if required. It is re-issued every 3 years. You can also read the handbook on this site