Note that Regulations may change from year to year, and may be updated at any time during the year by the Committee. These are the Regulations for 2025 as approved by the Committee.
ALL MODEL FLYERS
1. Permits are only issued for model aircraft flying. All flyers must be in possession of a current permit. Permits are issued upon acceptance of these regulations. Permits will only be issued to persons who are paid up members of The British Model Flying Association .
2. PERMIT documents, or proof of a permit purchase for the current year, should be carried with you at all times. They must be produced on the demand of BMFC officials or Forestry Commission staff. A current permit flag, if issued, should be visible at all times (e.g. on transmitter).
3. PILOTS who deliberately breach these regulations will receive a warning. In the event of two separate warnings the Committee may withdraw the permit. Continued breaches of these regulations may render the offender liable to prosecution under the Forestry Bye-laws.
4. NOISE: The BMFA guidance on the DoE Noise Code should be followed. This applies to both combustion and electric models. The BMFC reserves the right to test any model at any time. Models perceived to be exceptionally noisy shall not be permitted.
5. WEIGHT LIMIT: All aircraft must be less than 7.5 kg MOTM (maximum take-off mass).
6. Model Aircraft flying is permitted only between sunrise and sunset. (This is to lessen the environmental impact on wildlife).
7. Racing, competing, and organised events are not permitted at any time.
8. The Forestry Commission (FC) Bye-Laws 1982 must be abided by.
9. The committee may change these regulations at any time.
Radio Controlled Models
10. Only OFCOM approved radio frequencies 35MHz and 2.4GHz may be used. 27Mhz is not permitted. 35Mhz users must operate frequency control using the public frequency board with the BMFA “peg on” protocol. 35Mhz users are responsible for avoiding radio channel conflicts. 2.4GHz users may assume the equipment does the check.
11. ALL RADIO CONTROLLED models will be operated from the runway to the west of the marked flight line. Models will be launched with regard for the safety of Spectators and other Pilots. When flying a Fixed Wing Model, pilots will operate their transmitters from within the Pilot Box. All flying must be to the West of the Pilot Lines.
12. POWERED MODELS (electric and combustion engine models) operated in the pits area must face away from the parked cars and must be restrained when carrying out radio range and engine checks.
13. HELICOPTERS must be flown with due consideration for other Pilots. Helicopter, and Fixed Wing must not be flying at the same time, i.e. fixed wing OR helicopter. It is not permitted to make a prolonged hover near the flight line or pilot box.
14. TAXIING MODELS. Models may be taxied out from the pits to the flight line (typically, before take-off). Models may not be taxied toward the pits from the flight line (e.g. after landing). Models may not overfly the pits, parking area or the perimeter tracks either side of the flying area.
General Considerations
15. FPV (First person view) and automatic (program controlled craft) are not allowed at any time. Aircraft may carry cameras for recreational use, but normal standards of privacy and respect must be adhered to.
16. Control line models may not be operated.
17. All flyers will undertake to assist with spectator control and be prepared to explain to the general public the necessity of keeping behind the barrier. Please be polite, but firm.
18. All vehicles are to be parked behind the barrier. Do not take up unnecessary space by parking at an angle or parallel to the barrier.
19. Every effort must be made to remove all debris from Crash Sites, (see Forestry clause 28).
20. Rockets, gas turbines, and pulse jets are NOT permitted.
21. Fuel Spills should be avoided. If a fuel spill occurs it must be cleaned up as far as possible, if necessary by use of a fuel spill kit.
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