Flying Times
MembersNewsletter
The Square Takes Shape: New Aircraft Storage Facility
Nears Completion
Exciting progress is being made on the club's brand new aircraft storage area, affectionately dubbed "The Square"! Members will soon have a dedicated and secure space to house their aircraft, thanks to the hard work and dedication of several key individuals and the generous financial support of our membership.
The weekend of March 22nd and 23rd saw a flurry of activity at the hanger. Loman has been instrumental in the internal build, diligently erecting partition walls to create individual storage bays and a dedicated area for the club itself. Over the same weekend, Loman teamed up with Rob to tackle the crucial task of installing the new rubber roofing, ensuring the facility will be weatherproof for years to come. They also successfully connected the electric supply to the mains within the hanger, bringing power to the new space. (Cont Page 2)
Meanwhile, Gregor was hard at work outside, digging the necessary trenching for the electrical infrastructure. His efforts are vital in ensuring the smooth operation of "The Square".
This significant step forward wouldn't have been possible without the incredible generosity of our members.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has financially donated to this project. Your contributions are directly enabling us to create this valuable asset for the club.
For members eager to take advantage of this new storage facility, please get in touch with Loman directly. He will be able to provide further details and arrange access. There is a nominal annual cost of just £12 per aircraft for storage within "The Square".
The completion of "The Square" marks an exciting new chapter for the club, providing a much-needed and organized space for our members' prized aircraft.
Keep an eye out for further updates as we move closer to the official opening!
Concrete Repairs Scotland Limited Takes Flight with Elgin Model Flying Club Sponsorship
Elgin Model Flying Club (EMFC) is thrilled to announce a new and exciting partnership with Concrete Repairs Scotland Limited, who will be the club's official website sponsor for the next three years. This collaboration marks a significant boost for the local flying club, ensuring the continued accessibility and growth of their online presence.
Elgin Model Flying Club, a vibrant community of model aviation enthusiasts, provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals of all skill levels to enjoy the art of model aircraft flying. Their dedication to promoting safe practices and fostering a friendly atmosphere has made them a cornerstone of the local community.
"We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Concrete Repairs Scotland Limited," said Shaun Moat - Secretary for Elgin Model Flying Club. "Their sponsorship will allow us to maintain and enhance our website, which is a vital tool for communicating with our members and the wider community.
This partnership will help us to continue to grow, and to introduce more people to the fantastic hobby of model aircraft flying."
Concrete Repairs Scotland Limited, a well-respected local business, has shown a strong commitment to supporting community initiatives. Their decision to sponsor the Elgin Model Flying Club's website reflects their dedication to investing in the local area and supporting recreational activities.
Elgin Model Flying Club's website serves as a central hub for information, including:
Club news and events
Membership details
Safety guidelines and resources
Information about the club's flying sites.
By sponsoring the website, Concrete Repairs Scotland Limited is helping to ensure that this valuable resource remains accessible to all.
Elgin Model Flying Club prides itself on:
Providing excellent and safe flying facilities.
Promoting safety and education. Offering skill development and certification.
Adhering to the highest standards of model flying.
This sponsorship will allow the club to further enhance these goals. The club is affiliated the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), ensuring that the highest standards are adhered to.
This partnership is a testament to the strong community spirit in Elgin and the shared commitment to supporting local activities.
Why have we got a new website?
Elgin Model Flying Club's decision to utilise a website platform, Spond, is driven by a desire to significantly improve both the member experience and the club's administrative efficiency.
Here's how this digital upgrade benefits the club:
Simplified Membership Renewals: Online platforms enable members to renew their memberships quickly and easily, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and inperson transactions.
Efficient Event Management: The website facilitates the creation and promotion of club events, making it easy for members to stay informed about upcoming activities.
Online RSVP systems allow the club to accurately track attendance, simplifying event planning and logistics.
Improved Communication: Centralised communication tools enable the club to easily disseminate important information to members, such as safety updates, club news, and event changes.
Targeted messaging ensures that relevant information reaches the appropriate members, reducing information overload.
Integrated communication channels streamline interactions between members and the club committee.
Streamlined Club Administration: Digital platforms automate many administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for club committee members.
Centralized databases provide easy access to member information, event records, and financial data.
Financial management tools simplify the tracking of income and expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability.
By leveraging these digital tools, Elgin Model Flying Club is creating a more engaging and efficient experience for its members while simplifying the administrative burden on its volunteers.
Everything You Need to Know About CAA Operator ID and Flyer ID for Drone and Model Aircraft Enthusiasts
With lighter evenings and the promise of better weather, now’s a great time to check if your CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) registrations are up to date. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or just getting started, understanding the differences between the CAA Operator ID and Flyer ID is essential. In this blog, we’ll break down what each ID means, how to get them, and the key rules to keep you flying legally and safely.
CAA Operator ID: The Basics
The Operator ID is for the person responsible for managing a model aircraft or drone. This includes ensuring that anyone who flies it has a valid Flyer ID and is aware of the regulations.
Typically, if you own a model aircraft or drone, you’ll need an Operator ID.
Key Details:
Cost: £11.13 (valid for one year).
Test Required: No test needed. Format: GBR-OP-XXXXXXXXXXXX (12 digits).
Renewal: ID remains the same unless your email address changes. Display: Must be clearly displayed on your aircraft.
Responsibilities of an Operator:
Ensure that only people with a valid Flyer ID fly your aircraft. Label all your model aircraft and drones with your Operator ID. Must be 18 or over to register.
Exceptions to the Rule:
You do not need an Operator ID if: Your aircraft weighs 250g or less and does not have a camera.
CAA Flyer ID: What You Need to Know
The Flyer ID is for the person who actually flies the model aircraft or drone. Unlike the Operator ID, getting a Flyer ID requires passing a test.
Key Details:
Cost: Free.
Validity: 5 years.
3.
1. It’s a tethered aircraft weighing less than 7.5kg and operating on tethers under 25m. 2. It’s classified as a toy under EU regulations.
If you only operate model aircraft indoors, registration is also not required.
How to Register:
You can get an Operator ID through the BMFA Membership portal or directly from the CAA.
Display: No need to display it on your aircraft.
Format: GBR-RP-XXXXXXXXXXXX (12 digits).
Test Required: Yes, an online theory test by the CAA.
How to Get a Flyer ID:
Pass the BMFA Registration Competency Certificate (RCC) or the CAA DMARES test. Both tests consist of 40 multiplechoice questions with a pass mark of 30.
When You Don’t Need a Flyer ID:
Flying aircraft weighing less than 250g.
Operating a tethered aircraft under 7.5kg on tethers under 25m.
Flying indoors only.
Flying under supervision with a buddy lead.
Clearing Up Confusion: Sub-250g Models and Cameras
There’s been some debate about sub250g models with cameras needing an Operator ID. However, the regulations specify that this applies to models “equipped with a sensor able to capture personal data,” not just any camera. This distinction could mean that FPV (First Person View) models without recording capabilities might not need an Operator ID.
Helpful Tips for Finding Your ID
If you’ve lost track of your ID details:
Search your email for “GBR-OP-” for your Operator ID.
Search for “GBR-RP-” (or “GBRFLY-” for old-style IDs) for your Flyer ID.
Visit the CAA website’s My Registration page and enter your email and date of birth.
Stay Informed and Safe
For a comprehensive guide, check out the BMFA Guide to CAA Operator & Flyer ID’s. Keeping your registrations up to date and understanding your responsibilities ensures that you can enjoy flying without any hassle.
ElginMFC.uk: A New Marketplace for Aircraft Enthusiasts
Elgin Model Flying Club is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new online marketplace, ElginMFC.uk. This dedicated platform is designed exclusively for club members, providing a convenient and secure space to buy and sell anything and everything aircraft-related.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your RC plane, find a specific part, or offload some surplus equipment, ElginMFC.uk offers a streamlined solution.
Members can now easily browse listings, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and complete transactions within the familiar community of the club.
This initiative comes as a fantastic boost to the club, fostering a more connected and resourceful environment for all members. The website allows for the easy posting of items for sale, complete with descriptions, images, and contact information. This simplifies the process of finding buyers and sellers, eliminating the need for scattered forum posts or external marketplaces.
A huge thank you is extended to Donut Pig Digital Marketing, who generously created and donated this valuable resource to Elgin Model Flying Club. Their expertise and commitment to supporting the club have made this project a reality. This act of community support will undoubtedly benefit all members and enhance the overall club experience
ElginMFC.uk represents a significant step forward for the club, providing a dedicated and user-friendly platform for buying and selling aircraft-related items. Members are encouraged to explore the site, post their listings, and take advantage of this fantastic new resource. We look forward to seeing the community thrive within this new online marketplace.