Welcome to the official website for the Beaulieu Model Flying Committee (BMFC). This site is hosted by the BMFA server and uses WordPress software.
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**UPDATE** We have agreed the alternative site for February to April at New Park just north of Brockenhurst.
This is the same venue as we used last year. Details of access to the site will be sent to all current permit holders week commencing 27th January
PERMIT APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2025
New permit application process
We are experiencing issues with the website not emailing permit application forms to the treasurer for processing. Until this situation is rectified please do the following:
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- Go to the permit application page on the website and complete the permit application form as per the instructions and make payment
- email <BMFCtreasurer@outlook.com> your full name, address and BMFA membership number
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Note: permits cannot be issued without 2025 BMFA membership & insurance
Forestry England 2025 permit details – We have agreed 2025 permit terms with FE. We have been permitted to fly at Beaulieu airfield during January then May to December 2025. Unfortunately the same restrictions apply as last year, i.e. no flying February, March and April inclusive. The reason being the ground nesting birds.
Internal combustion engines – Rumours abound regarding the proposed ban on IC engines at Beaulieu. The actual facts are – IC engines will be permitted until end of July 2026. We have agreed this and have it in writing.
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The New Forest identification post and airfield
Model Aircraft Flying is not generally permitted anywhere in the New Forest under the Forestry Commission Bye-
The BMFC is the licensed authority authorised by the FE to govern model flying in the New Forest. Flying takes place at the (decommissioned) WW2 airfield on Beaulieu Heath. The BMFC governs both Radio-
You may not fly without a permit. The BMFC negotiates model flying permissions annually with FE. It is authorised to issue individual permits to model flyers for the year. You can read more information about the BMFC here including access to the BMFA achievement scheme. We recommend that all model flyers have, or aspire to have, at least a BFMA A-certificate in their chosen discipline, typically Fixed Wing (FW) or Helicopter (H).
Under the new UK Government Unmanned Aerial Vehicles laws you must be a legal CAA registered operator and be a valid CAA certified flyer in order to qualify for a permit to fly at Beaulieu Airfield. At present only Fixed Wing planes, and Rotary wing helicopters are allowed. Multi-rotor drones are not approved by the Forestry for use in the New Forest.
A typical scene in the pits area
To get a permit for 2025 please read the permit information page. You will also need to know about the flying site Regulations, the child policy and the drone policy.
The permit application process for 2025 opens in December 2024 and is active now. Permits last for the current calendar year only, and must be renewed each year.
Learning to fly – we can provide the instruction to help you learn to fly. We have our own training aircraft and control systems so you do not need to make a large financial outlay to see if you want to start the hobby. Once you are in the air all our members will help and guide you through your model flying journey. Use the contact page to discuss your requirements.
The eastern end of the old main runway, part hard surface, part grass, where R/C flying takes place.
Beaulieu Heath airfield consists of the remains of 3 wartime runways, up to two miles in length, now mainly reverted to grass. The eastern end of the main runway retains its hard surface which is used as an all weather model aircraft runway. Part of the original runway is separated off by a barrier as a car park, and the area connects to the original airfield perimeter track which is a designated cycle path.