Ivel Model Aircraft Club
Model Aircraft Flying near Bedford UK
Our members are mainly from Bedfordshire and West Cambridgeshire
Model Aircraft Flying near Bedford UK
Our members are mainly from Bedfordshire and West Cambridgeshire
Latest news: (Updated 24 Jul 21)
Check Events Page for info about Evening Flying sessions and Barbecue
21 May 21
On 17 May, the BMFA issued new information about CAA Article 16 Exemption. Since you should have the information with you when flying please make a note of the information on the page and ALSO the relevant links.
www.bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2740/BMFA-issued-with-an-updated-Article-16-Authorisation-17-5-2021
rcc.bmfa.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/20210517-The-SMAE-Ltd-UAS7068-Article-16-Authorisation-Issue-2.pdf
15 May 21
Just to clarify to all Ivel MAC members, after checking the procedures to be followed at our sites from Monday 17 May 21 onwards, it would seem that there are not any changes to be made, and no relaxation from our Step 2 arrangements.
As part of Step 3, (from 17 May 21) the Government requirements for England, are that Covid-19 Secure procedures have the be maintained. i.e. We have to continue with the Ivel MAC Track & Trace Covid-19 Secure arrangement, to follow the Government Guidelines, follow the the Risk Assessment and continue to use the text/mobile phone system to book in and out. The relevant paragraph on the following website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reopening-businesses-and-venues-in-england/reopening-businesses-and-venues
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At this step, both outdoor and indoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation, can be organised, subject to specific conditions: that they comply with COVID-Secure guidance including taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission, complete a related risk assessment; and ensure that those attending do not mix beyond what is permitted by the social contact limits (unless another exemption exists, such as for organised sport or exercise, supervised activities for children or a significant life event).
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The BMFA issued the following advice for model clubs in England on 26 Mar 21. (For Step 2)
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The regulations surrounding the easing of restrictions from Monday 29th March have been released.
See https://www.legislation. gov.uk/uksi/2021/364/schedule/1/made
Model flying club sites can reopen from Monday 29th March.
Where a club is operating in a COVID secure manner and has implemented the BMFA 6 Steps to Covid security guidance in full (see https://clubsupport.bmfa.uk/6-steps-to-covid-secure ) the gathering limits (Rule of 6) do NOT apply.
It is important to note that after conducting the required COVID risk assessment that a club may need to implement a restriction on numbers to enable the correct social distancing.
For model flying activity outside of the control of a model flying club the gathering limits still apply.
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THIS MEANS:
The latest covid-19 lockdown measures allow us to go flying at our sites from 29 March.
More than 6 are allowed, providing we follow the COVID-19 SECURE arrangements in the Ivel MAC risk assessment, which includes
using the Ivel MAC Trace & Trace arrangement uitilising text messaging or leaving a voicemail.
National Rules -- Changes to Regulations and requirements w.e.f. 31 Dec 20
The BMFA has sent an email to all members mine arrived 16 Dec 20. I understand from a BMFA Q&A webinar, that this document will continue to evolve over time.
In case you have not seen it, the CAA regulations have been amended and slightly updated effective from 31 Dec 20. The exemptions are as expected and are more or less the same as before, allowing us to go ahead and continue flying with the regulations mainly as we have used over the last year.
Please read the latest BMFA news for 16 Dec 20 regarding the updated regulation (article 16) exemption requirements:
bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2706/New-regulations-for-BMFA-Members-flying-drones-and-model-aircraft-after-31st-December
The BMFA advise that to comply with the CAA requirements, Remote Pilots (i.e. us) have to be in possession of the following whenever flying:
BMFA membership certificate/Vectis card
BMFA Achievement Certificate
Up to date CAA exemption doc. (permitting BMFA members to fly above 400ft etc)
The BMFA have suggested that if you do not wish to carry the above items, make a PDF copy and store them on your phone.
The exemption information is also available on the Downloads page of this website, and the documents were included as attachments on the email mentioned above.
OPERATOR ID --- issue of new ID number on current expiry
Regrettably, we understand that all those that did the BMFA test for registering as an Operator in 2020 will be issued with a new Operator ID Number from renewal, whenever that is due for you, (for many members that will be 9 Feb 21). This will be a pain for us all, some more than others changing over info on our models.
Other information
IVEL MAC CAPS
Now available for £10 each, contact Richard Warner.
GATE Reminder (when we get back to being able to use the sites normally).
If you arrive at either field 1st and unlock the gate, please leave the gate open but the padlock LOCKED and attached to the chain with the combination numbers rotated so that passers-by cannot discover the combination.
At Wilden there are 2 padlocks now, one for use by Wilden Cricket Club members (Brass Lock) and another for Ivel MAC members.
The person who leaves last is ensure the gate is securely locked with the chain and padlock.
Wilden
If conditions are muddy, please park between the Gate and around the Nets (according to wind direction) to avoid making muddy tracks near the pavilion.
Macca
At the white marker, please wait to be waved across to the parking area.Please keep the speed below 10mph.
Please drive to the end of the track before heading for the parking area.
To avoid churning up the field when the field is waterlogged please consider parking along the track.
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