Just received this morning. Great news I think
Dear Club Secretary
New Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) from March 13th 2019
Following last weeks announcement from the DfT, regarding the introduction of extended Flight restriction Zones around protected aerodromes we have produced some guidance and template documentation for clubs to use when seeking permission. Please see attached. The documentation is also available to download do please contact me if you need any assistance seeking permission.
With regards to the changes to the ANO we have had a reasonable amount of correspondence asking whether this applies to conventional fixed wing aircraft or just "drones" (it applies to all small unmanned aircraft) also a number have asked what the position is with flying above 400'.
So what has changed with these changes from 13th March? Well actually not too much is the answer, in fact only 2 real changes.
1, If you are operating within one of the “Flight Restriction Zones” (FRZ) you must obtain permission from the relevant ATC unit. See the map at
https://dronesafe.uk/restrictions
2 If you are flying an over 7kg aircraft in controlled airspace (but outside a FRZ) you no longer need permission from ATC to fly up to 400’.
Since part way through 2018 all small unmanned aircraft, no matter whether fixed wing, powered, unpowered, helicopter or what the press refer to as a drone (multi-rotor) are restricted by the ANO to 400’, however through the efforts of the BMFA CEO an exemption was negotiated that permits BMFA members to fly above 400’ with sub 7kg conventional (fixed wing & helicopter) aircraft. This exemption is still in place and the CAA have indicated it will remain in place.
Also attached is the latest Club bulletin, which is also available to download from the portal and the main BMFA website, please distribute to your members.
Getting the most out of the Go Membership portal
There are a number of clubs who are not getting the most out of the new membership portal, when used to it's full capabilities it really can save you a substantial amount of time and make managing BMFA renewals and other aspects of club management much easier. If you have any questions or feel unsure about using the portal please get in touch and we can help you realise the benefits of using the portal.
Club Examiner Ratification
We still have quite a number of clubs who have not as yet ratified BMFA club examiners for 2019, please ensure you ratify them before the end of March. After which any examiners not ratified will lose examiner status. To retain examiner status it is a requirement that the examiner is ratified annually by at lease one club and is a current member. The ratification form was enclosed in the pack you received in November. However we do now have an electronic ratification form which is at
https://e-forms.bmfa.org/club-forms/bmf ... tification you will need a password to access the form which is bMfA2019
Achievement Scheme Roadshow
Just a reminder that the ASRC are running an Achievement Scheme Roadshow on 30th March at
Oswaldtwistle Mills Business & Conference Centre
Clifton Mill
Pickup St
Accrington
BB5 0EY
If your are within travelling distance please encourage your examiners to attend or indeed anyone else in your club interested in the workings of the achievement scheme, pre-booking is requried, there is no cost to attend and lunch is provided. Members can reserve their place through the Events & Courses section of the membership portal or directly through the following link here or by emailing me directly on
andy@bmfa.org
There are also a number of achievement scheme workshops planned, again please see the Events & Courses section.
That's about everything for now.
Best Regards
Andy Symons
Club Support Officer