Activities

Welcome

This section is aimed at those of you that are new to the hobby and those that are thinking about taking it up.    There are many different aspects to this activity  including hands-on creativity,  technical challenge and the pure excitement of flying a model aircraft.   The hobby provides a wealth of  interests including engineering and aerodynamics, electronics, craftsmanship, problem solving and the skill of flying.

Radio controlled model aircraft comprise fixed wing, helicopters, drones, jets, Vertical Take Off and Landing(VTOL) and First Person View(FPV) aircraft as well as the more unusual such as paragliders, hang gliders and even model birds.   At Whitby the main focus is on fixed wing and there are many models ranging from simple trainers and traditional models and beautifully built scale aircraft to modern, sophisticated, highly aerobatic models.    Gliders are also prevalent and can be flown at the field if they are powered and there are a number of slope soaring sites in the area where unpowered models can be flown.   Larger models are also made and flown and some members are also members of the Large Model Association(LMA).

Radio controlled model aircraft can be powered in a number of different ways.   Two stroke and four stroke internal combustion(IC) engines are popular.   Advances in technology have resulted in ever more efficient and powerful electric motors and of course they are a bit quieter than traditional IC engines.   The flying site is sufficiently remote to avoid noise becoming a problem and complaints are very rare.

The CAA 

Of course there are rules and regulations to be followed but don't worry they are not too onerous and based largely on common sense.   The governing body which sets the rules and maintains some control over the hobby in general is the Civil Aviation Authority(CAA).   You must obtain a CAA Operator ID if your model weighs 100 grams or more and is fitted with a camera or if it weighs more than 250 grams without a camera.   No distinction is made between model aircraft and drones.   You must label your aircraft with this Operator ID.   A Flyer ID  is required for flying models over 100 grams.   This Flier ID is obtained by passing a test which is not too difficult and can be done on line.

The BMFA   

The overarching body for model aircraft flying in the UK is the British Model Flying Association(BMFA).   The BMFA provides the main interface with the CAA, the government and local authorities.   It supports hundreds of UK Model flying clubs.   The members of any club that is affiliated to the BMFA must be BMFA members and therefore covered by their public liability insurance.   The current annual cost of BMFA membership is £51 for seniors and £20 for Juniors.