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 10 Mar 19)
1. NEW restrictions announced 20 February 2019
For all Drone/UAS (affecting all our model types) flying at or near listed airfields operating full size aircraft.
These regulations are coming into effect wef: 13 March 2019
Airfield (full size) restrictions:
On 13 March 2019 the drone flight restriction zone (FRZ) around airports and airfields changes.
The government has introduced a new rule stating that the 1km restriction from the airfield boundary is replaced by a restriction using the airfield’s existing aerodrome traffic zone, which has a radius of either, 2, or 2.5 nautical miles and then, five kilometres by one kilometre zones starting from the point known as the ‘threshold’ at the end of each of the airfield’s runways. Both zones extend upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield.
It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within these restricted zones unless you have permission from air traffic control at the airport or, if air traffic control is not operational, from the airport itself.
A link to a map showing each UK airfield’s FRZ restriction is available at:
dronesafe.uk/restrictions/
Also, the map can be added to Google maps on your PC/Phone/Mobile Device, as a layer extension.
www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=1z96X9CEZJzbdN8oIoDueKgyZ1rhBp2qj&ll=55.21850437057059%2C-3.171403000000055&z=5
Then it can be found on your PC/Phone/Mobile Device, at:
Menu:
Your Places:
Maps:
FRZ Runway Extension Zones:
NOTAM information can be found at:
notaminfo.com/ukmap
scroll down to the map which you can then scroll/move around the map, and zoom in and out,
and it is clickable on zones for additional information.
You will notice that we do have a NOTAM in place for our alternative site.
There is also a useful app for hand held devices that you may find useful showing FRZs and NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen)
NATS Drone Assist it is available in the IOS App Store or via Google Play
The nearest airfield to both our flying sites is Bedford FRZ (Thurleigh as was)
Activity type: UAS Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ)
An area 2 Nautical Miles (= 2.3 Statute miles) radius centred on the Mid Point of the Longest Runway being:
EGBF runway 08/26
Position.
52 degrees 13 minutes 57.3 seconds N
000 degrees 26 minutes 43.9 seconds W
(Ordnance Survey Grid Ref: TL 06399 60517)
(this is the middle of the remaining short part of the runway)
Upper limit: 2000FT - Feet
Lower limit: SFC - measured from the surface of the Earth
Contact: 01234-332400
******* Our flying sites are NOT affected by this change. *******
2. CAPS WITH IVELMAC LOGO
Now available for £10 each, contact Richard Warner.
3. 8 JAN 19 !!
This is the published result of the consultation to which some of you contributed:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/769128/future-of-drones-in-uk-consultation-response-web.pdf
Note: There is an increase in "No Fly Zone" distance around airfields (DETAILS CHANGED wef: 13 Mar 19, see info government announced 20 Feb 19 above.)
For the latest news (notwithstanding the info above) about information about what may happen to control our hobby/sport can be found in on the BMFA website:
from 29 Oct 18
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2555/Update-on-EASA-regulations-for-unmanned-aircraft
from Jun 18
bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2528/Update-on-changes-to-UK-Regulations-and-the-400ft-height-limit
from 30 May 18
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2526/UK-Government-announces-increased-regulations-for-drone-pilots
also from 12 Feb 18
www.bmfa.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=2451&language=en-GB&PortalId=0&TabId=137
also, from 26 Nov 17
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2496/DfT-announces-commitment-to-implement-new-rules-for-drones
There was also a UK government document released 22 Jul 17.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/631638/unlocking-the-uks-high-tech-economy-consultation-on-the-safe-use-of-drones-in-the-uk-government-response.pdf
Not an easy read.
(check back soon for further updates)
4. Turbine heli videos 22 Sep 18
Take-off: youtu.be/LbIQ04hcpvM
Landing: youtu.be/Q0RNntpo7k0
5. GATE Reminder
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.
6. Wilden
If conditions are muddy, please park between the Gate and around the Nets (according to wind direction) to avoid making muddy tracks near thepavilion.
7. Alternate site
Following the laying of the new track at the alternate site hopefully the following info becomes redundant:
Regrettably, in the Winter time access to the alternate site, and the flying area often becomes waterlogged and so slippery that cars can bog down easily. Please advise the committee if you find it to be too soft/muddy.
When we know this is the case we can advise members not to use that site, and also advise when it is accessible again.
For information, there is hardcore laid between the gate and almost as far as the start of the flying area. The hardcore is not very wide (little more than a car width) and is very close to the ditch. It is under the rough grass, the mower would be damaged if it was cut.
Please keep close to the ditch if you really must check the field situation but be aware that if the field is too muddy you will have to reverse out.
There is often a VERY wet area close to the Oak tree.
Latest news: (Updated 10 Mar 19)
1. NEW restrictions announced 20 February 2019
For all Drone/UAS (affecting all our model types) flying at or near listed airfields operating full size aircraft.
These regulations are coming into effect wef: 13 March 2019
Airfield (full size) restrictions:
On 13 March 2019 the drone flight restriction zone (FRZ) around airports and airfields changes.
The government has introduced a new rule stating that the 1km restriction from the airfield boundary is replaced by a restriction using the airfield’s existing aerodrome traffic zone, which has a radius of either, 2, or 2.5 nautical miles and then, five kilometres by one kilometre zones starting from the point known as the ‘threshold’ at the end of each of the airfield’s runways. Both zones extend upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield.
It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within these restricted zones unless you have permission from air traffic control at the airport or, if air traffic control is not operational, from the airport itself.
A link to a map showing each UK airfield’s FRZ restriction is available at:
dronesafe.uk/restrictions/
Also, the map can be added to Google maps on your PC/Phone/Mobile Device, as a layer extension.
www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=1z96X9CEZJzbdN8oIoDueKgyZ1rhBp2qj&ll=55.21850437057059%2C-3.171403000000055&z=5
Then it can be found on your PC/Phone/Mobile Device, at:
Menu:
Your Places:
Maps:
FRZ Runway Extension Zones:
NOTAM information can be found at:
notaminfo.com/ukmap
scroll down to the map which you can then scroll/move around the map, and zoom in and out,
and it is clickable on zones for additional information.
You will notice that we do have a NOTAM in place for our alternative site.
There is also a useful app for hand held devices that you may find useful showing FRZs and NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen)
NATS Drone Assist it is available in the IOS App Store or via Google Play
The nearest airfield to both our flying sites is Bedford FRZ (Thurleigh as was)
Activity type: UAS Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ)
An area 2 Nautical Miles (= 2.3 Statute miles) radius centred on the Mid Point of the Longest Runway being:
EGBF runway 08/26
Position.
52 degrees 13 minutes 57.3 seconds N
000 degrees 26 minutes 43.9 seconds W
(Ordnance Survey Grid Ref: TL 06399 60517)
(this is the middle of the remaining short part of the runway)
Upper limit: 2000FT - Feet
Lower limit: SFC - measured from the surface of the Earth
Contact: 01234-332400
******* Our flying sites are NOT affected by this change. *******
2. CAPS WITH IVELMAC LOGO
Now available for £10 each, contact Richard Warner.
3. 8 JAN 19 !!
This is the published result of the consultation to which some of you contributed:
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/769128/future-of-drones-in-uk-consultation-response-web.pdf
Note: There is an increase in "No Fly Zone" distance around airfields (DETAILS CHANGED wef: 13 Mar 19, see info government announced 20 Feb 19 above.)
For the latest news (notwithstanding the info above) about information about what may happen to control our hobby/sport can be found in on the BMFA website:
from 29 Oct 18
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2555/Update-on-EASA-regulations-for-unmanned-aircraft
from Jun 18
bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2528/Update-on-changes-to-UK-Regulations-and-the-400ft-height-limit
from 30 May 18
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2526/UK-Government-announces-increased-regulations-for-drone-pilots
also from 12 Feb 18
www.bmfa.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=2451&language=en-GB&PortalId=0&TabId=137
also, from 26 Nov 17
https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2496/DfT-announces-commitment-to-implement-new-rules-for-drones
There was also a UK government document released 22 Jul 17.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/631638/unlocking-the-uks-high-tech-economy-consultation-on-the-safe-use-of-drones-in-the-uk-government-response.pdf
Not an easy read.
(check back soon for further updates)
4. Turbine heli videos 22 Sep 18
Take-off: youtu.be/LbIQ04hcpvM
Landing: youtu.be/Q0RNntpo7k0
5. GATE Reminder
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.
6. Wilden
If conditions are muddy, please park between the Gate and around the Nets (according to wind direction) to avoid making muddy tracks near thepavilion.
7. Alternate site
Following the laying of the new track at the alternate site hopefully the following info becomes redundant:
Regrettably, in the Winter time access to the alternate site, and the flying area often becomes waterlogged and so slippery that cars can bog down easily. Please advise the committee if you find it to be too soft/muddy.
When we know this is the case we can advise members not to use that site, and also advise when it is accessible again.
For information, there is hardcore laid between the gate and almost as far as the start of the flying area. The hardcore is not very wide (little more than a car width) and is very close to the ditch. It is under the rough grass, the mower would be damaged if it was cut.
Please keep close to the ditch if you really must check the field situation but be aware that if the field is too muddy you will have to reverse out.
There is often a VERY wet area close to the Oak tree.
