You must be a legal Model Flyer
Every model you own and wish to be able to fly must show a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Operator ID from 30th Nov 2019. If you don’t already have a CAA operator id you can get one either directly from the CAA, or via the BMFA membership portal.
To fly any model yourself you must have passed a competency test which ensures you are aware of the basics of Air Law, and Model Aircraft operation constraints. You can get a CAA Flyer ID by passing CAA competence test, or by passing the BMFA Registration Competency Certificate test (the RCC).
A Beaulieu Model Flying permit cannot be issued unless you first have obtained both an Operator ID and a competency test certificate.
You must have Insurance
Insurance for model flying is most easily obtained as a benefit of BMFA membership.
You will be prompted for your BMFA (British Model Flying Association) membership number. If there is a problem with your application, such as the BMFA not confirming your insurance status, you will be informed by email.
Please make sure your BMFA membership status is up to date for 2024 before applying for a Beaulieu permit.
You must have a permit
The Beaulieu Model Flying Committee (BMFC) is licenced by ForestryEngland to issue permits to fly model aircraft for recreational purposes only at the Beaulieu Heath Airfield in the New Forest.
Permits run from January to December each year (synchronised with BMFA membership and insurance).
With a permit you may:
- Fly on any available day in the year (365 days, minus the days when the heath is closed).
- Fly in daylight hours only,
- Fly planes, and/or helicopters .
- Operate Internal combustion engines (methanol and petrol) or electric motors.
- Fly models with a Maximum take-
off mass (MOTM) of 7.5kg (16.5 lbs) only. - Fly at all times abiding by the Regulations
Even with a permit you must NOT:
- Cause a nuisance. Remember that Beaulieu Heath is used by dog walkers, horse riders and others.
- Cause excessive noise. We operate spot checks according to the BMFA guideline of 82dB at 7 metres.
- Test or Fly large models over 7.5Kg (MOTM). This is to minimise risk to the public and the wildlife.
- Operate unauthorised power systems such as Gas turbines, Rockets or Pulse Jets.
- Operate unauthorised aircraft such as drones (multirotors), balloons, kites or other craft.
Any infringement of these conditions can be a cause of your permit being invalidated. You may not fly without a permit.
If you want to apply for a permit please log in or if you are not registered then register on the Membership Login page then go to Permit-application.