NEWS

PAST NEWS

29.10.2024: Our AGM will be held on Friday 29th November 2024, 7:30pm in a change to the usual venue, at 'The Larkshall', 205 Larkshall Road, Chingford. 

28.8.2023: A sad bit of news. We have been informed by his daughter Danielle that John Hood our former safety officer has died. John suffered a stroke a few years ago and has been in care ever since. For those of us who remember him, he helped and encouraged many of us and he seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of aircraft which he could fly with his customary tell-tale exuberance. Our thoughts go with him and his family.

14.5.2023: Thanks to members for a very good turn out for the BMFA's record attempt event.The weather was better than we could have hoped for, bright sunshine, a blue sky and calm winds. We had 9 rc planes in the air at the appointed time. Everyone flew in the correct direction and there were no mishaps. Thank you Jon for organising things and thank you Pete for the earlier car racing diversion.

25.4.2023: Notice to members, there will be another BMFA Record Attempt to break the record for most model aircraft in the sky at one time, on 14th May 2023. We will be flying from Banks Lane. Members interested in joining the event should register their interest with the club committee. Further details can be found on the BMFA website, go to: https://bmfa.org/2023-record

22.8.2022: We have Sunday flying again at Banks Lane. Flying time is 11am to dusk. And as is the case on Saturday, flying is of the 'quiet' variety too.

15.5.2022: BMFA Centenary Record Successful Flight
The group flight went well and everyone got into the air just before noon. I believe there were nine planes and one drone flying and one member braved his first solo flight off the buddy box. It was pretty windy and about five minutes into the flight the rain started to fall. Planes were landed and a much hoped for afternoon of flying wasn’t on the cards. A photo was quickly taken of the flyers and then everyone rushed for their cars.

15.4.2022: 12noon: BMFA Centenary Record Attempt
To mark the BMFA Centenary, the BMFA will be attempting to set a new record using model aircraft of all types. It will be a mass participation event at BMFA clubs and other flying sites throughout the UK. The record will be for the total number of aircraft in the air at 12 noon on the 15th May 2022 simultaneously across the UK. Chingford MFC will also be taking part and members wanting to join in should ensure they have registered with Graham our club sectretary. If you are not a club member but want to join us on the day you should also contact our club secretary and give him notice in advance that you wish to participate. For more information see: https://100.bmfa.org/record

2.11.2021: We have appointed Denis Hammond as our new club safety officer.

18.10.2021: Our club's AGM was held at The Owl. The existing committee members were re-elected to their positions. A motion to consider leaving Banks Lane in return for much reduced club fees was rejected by a clear majority of members present. Members also showed a renewed willingness to assist with the maintenance of both of our sites.

6.1.2021: Once again we are under lockdown. Everywhere, including our flying sites in Chingford and Epping fall under tier 4 restrictions. Current guidance is whilst outdoor exercise is still allowed, either alone or with one other person, we are now no longer permitted to leave our homes to visit public outdoor places for the purposes of open air recreation.

13.10.2020: Good news for two of our members. On October 5th Kim passed her PfCO test for drone flying and on the 12th Steli passed his Club Examiner’s Test.

2.6.2020: Following the Prime Minister's further relaxing of the lock-down rules we are opening up Chingford Plain flying strip. As from Wednesday, June 3, up to 6 people will be allowed on site. Please maintain the 2 metre rule and never more that 6 people present within the pit area. Remember partners, children and friends etc are all included in that maximum number.
As it is likely that Chingford Plain will continue to have larger numbers of the general public enjoying it than usual, members should be prepared to stop flying if people encroach too close to our flying zone or members are unable to maintain 2 metre distancing at the site. Distancing should also be maintained when you position your aircraft and equipment.

For those who have been flying at Banks Lane we are ending the need to apply for a flying slot and up to 6 people will also be permitted on site. Whether you are flying at Chingford or Banks Lane, to help ensure the '6 only' rule please announce your intention to fly on the WhatsApp group before arriving at either site.

12.5.2020: We are back in the air. After very careful consideration of the Government's latest Covid-19 statement and liaison with the site owner, the committee of the Chingford Model Flying Club is pleased to announce that some limited flying can restart at the club's Banks Lane venue in accordance with Government and BMFA guidance. Members should have received an email clarifying our new flying rules.
To briefly summarise, only two club members are allowed on site at any one time. Individual transport to the site – no car sharing.
We are introducing a "flying slot" procedure with the day split into two sessions: 10.00 to 14.00 and 14.00 to 18.00.
You may book a slot by phoning the club secretary or via the club's What'sApp. NO FLYING or attending WITHOUT A BOOKING.

The system starts 13.05.2020. All Government recommended safety measures regarding hygiene, should be adopted, safe distancing, not sharing equipment etc must be followed. We are kicking off flying at Banks Lane where we can control numbers and hope to be able to re-open The Plain as soon as safety issues allow.

25.3.2020: With the country now in lock down over the Covid-19 epidemic, the current BMFA directive is that members must not fly. This also includes any activities that may be regarded as general maintenance of our flying sites. The Government's latest instructions are people should not leave home for non essential activities other than limited forms of exercise and we do not regard flying or any related activities to fall into the category of exercise. The club committee will advise its members should this situation change.

30.1.2020: Update to CAA Drone Regulations. The requirement for all flyers without a minimum A certifcate has been amended. Untll now if you did not have an 'A certificate' you have been required to go to the CAA's website to do an online test for your 'Flyer ID'. You can now opt to do the 'BMFA Registration Competency Certificate' test on the BMFA's own website to get your 'Flyer ID'. If members choose to do their test via the BMFA site it might help the BMFA have a stronger voice in future negotiations with the CAA.

5.1.2020: Indoor flying will continue this year at the Holy Family Catholic School. We have recently signed up a number of new flyers which has helped bring down the cost to all quite considerably. 
The dates for flying are:
January: Wednesday 15th 2020
February: Wednesday 5th 2020
March: Wednesday 4th & Wednesday 18th 2020
April: Wednesday 8th 2020 
All sessions last from 7:30pm to 9:30pm

If any member is interested in visiting the venue when we are there to see if they might like to give it a go, contact Ian, Graham or Nigel and they should be able to help you out.