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 8 Jan 21)
LATEST NEWS ON LOCKDOWN.
6 Jan 21 The BMFA confirmed that there is no possibility of getting any model flying at our sites during the current Lockdown. Take a look at the news on the BMFA website dated 6 Jan 21. The relevant part includes:
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Outdoor sportsgrounds or sports facilities (which includes model flying club sites and BMFA Buckminster) have also been added to the list of venues that must close.
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BMFA --- LATEST NEWS -- Requires action by YOU !!!
4 Jan 21. The BMFA has sent out an email to all members and it requires some action by ALL Members.
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As advised in previous communications the regulations for model aircraft and drone flying for BMFA members has changed and we can now operate under an Article 16 authorisation which you should read up on at:
https://rcc.bmfa.uk/article-16
The Article 16 authorisation essentially means we are able to continue flying largely as we have been doing previously.
There is however a small change regarding remote pilot competence for BMFA members as follows:
From 1st January any remote pilot of a free flight or radio controlled model aircraft or drone of mass greater than 250gm that is operating in accordance with our Article 16 authorisation must demonstrate a suitable level of pilot competence by one of the following 3 methods.
- Have a valid BMFA Registration Competency Certificate (RCC)
- Passing the CAA online DMARES test and having a ‘Flyer ID’
- Have a BMFA Achievement Certificate that was obtained before 31/12/2020 and confirming to the BMFA that they have read and understood the conditions and restrictions that apply when operating within our Article 16 authorisation. (N.B. Certificates gained after 31/12/2020 cannot be used)
From 5pm 4 Jan 21 there is a check box to our membership portal at https://bmfa.azolve.com/ for you to indicate you have read and understood the Article 16 authorisation.
We recommend all members log in to the portal to indicate they have read and understood the authorisation from that point. Please note you are required to do so if you are relying on a BMFA Achievement Scheme certificate obtained before 31/12/2020 as proof of competency.
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8 JAN 21 TO SUMMARISE/CLARIFY what the above means for you, The Ivel MAC Admin co-ordinator has sent out an email to members that advises:
"If you have a BMFA Achievement Certificate that was obtained before 31/12/2020
you need to confirm to the BMFA that they have read and understood the conditions and restrictions that apply when operating within our Article 16 authorisation. (N.B. Certificates gained after 31/12/2020 cannot be used)”.
He has been in touch with Andy Symons at the BMFA & says there are 3 ways you can give confirmation of your understanding. You canuse the following methods:
1. Log on to the BMFA & tick the appropriate box in your profile page. (it’s in the Opt-ins section).
2. Phone the BMFA office 0116 2440 028 and tell them. Quote your membership number.
3. Or ask me (Ivel MAC Treasurer) to do it on your behalf in his capacity as Ivel MAC’s Admin Co-ordinator.
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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.
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 member 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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