Non UK pilots at UK Model airshows.

[Kate Thurman]

First, hi guys, Newbie to the LMA here, long time lurker though, so please excuse me if this is in the wrong place or this question has already been asked.

What are the rules for non UK insured pilots at UK model public airshows? LMA and non LMA events.

I will have a French FFAM ( equivilent to the BMFA) insurance and a proficiency certificate for over 50cc, which allows me to fly at French public model airshows, would that also allow me to fly at UK events?

the other is airworthyness certificates, we don't need them till the plane is over 25 kilos and/or 250cc, could I fly my 22 kilo plane at a UK events for example? Nothing massive , just a Don Smith Mustang that probably won't come in under 20 kilos.

Thanks.

[Dave Hayfield]

Hi Kate, do we have one of the very rare breed of lady fliers contacting us (just checking because of the name)? As a show organiser for many years,originally within the LMA and now for non LMA, I can give you a some information regarding large model rules in the UK. Firstly anything over 20Kg has to have CAA authorisation. The LMA are responsible for checking the construction and test flying of the model and of making sure that the pilot or pilots who will be flying the model are capable of doing so, a certificate will then be issued to allow said pilots to fly in front of the public. The LMA members are covered by insurance and show pilots must have achieved the LMA Proficiency Certificate or BMFA 'B' standard. This will probably be similar to the Certification you mention for flying in France. It is probably wise to check with your insurance provider on details of flying in public in the UK. Of course there is always the option of joining the LMA if you intend to fly here often,if you are not alredy a member, we have quite a few members 'over the Channel' and you will get an excellent Journal every couple of months. Presumably your flying skills will enable you to pass the LMA Proficiency test which you can take when you attend a show, we often arrange a test period prior to the main show at many events. I suggest you contact firstly Tony Hooper who can give more details, he is our chief safety officer and then a show organiser for individual show details. They are all on the website. There are non LMA shows which you can attend, you will find details in the modelling press or websites. Finally, all of the LMA events and most non LMA shows require that you use 2.4Ghz radio equipment. Hope you do decide to do some flying in the UK, you will find us a very friendly organisation.