Welcome to the online version of the BMFA Members’ Handbook. (updated August 2023)
The BMFA is constantly reviewing its advice to model flyers and it works in close liaison with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on model flying matters. Following changes to the UK regulations on 31st December 2020, the BMFA now operates under an ‘Article 16 Authorisation’ from the CAA, which defines the operating parameters for model aircraft operated by members. Details of how this applies are included throughout this book for your information.
All changes since the last edition (except typographical errors) are shown in red text in the online version and are 'side barred' in the downloadable PDF version. See here.
The Member’s Handbook is an active document that is constantly kept under review and we are very happy to receive input from anyone concerned about model flying matters.
The Members’ Handbook has two Annexes. Annex A is the Model Flying Display Handbook (amalgamating the Display Section and the Display Organisers Handbook) and Annex B is the Model Flying Technical Handbook which includes sections on radio control, hazardous materials and the Noise Code.
We would encourage anyone with comments, suggested additions, or amendments to contact the Technical Director or CEO via the BMFA office.
Please note that the BMFA Website – www.bmfa.org is the major source of information for the BMFA. It is regularly referred to throughout this document as there are many specialist booklets now available for downloading (also available from the BMFA office).
Words of masculine gender should be taken to include the feminine gender unless the context indicates otherwise.
Where the term ‘model aircraft’ is used it should be taken to include drones/multi-rotors.
Handbook Contents
British Model Flying Association (SMAE Ltd) & British Drone Flyers
Chacksfield House, 31 St Andrews Road, Leicester, LE2 8RE
Telephone 0116 244 0028
e-mail admin@bmfa.org
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