C.C. All Club Chairmen and Secretaries.
The regulations surrounding the easing of restrictions from Monday 29th March have been released.
See https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/364/schedule/1/made
Model flying club sites can reopen from Monday 29th March.
Where a club is operating in a COVID secure manner and has implemented the BMFA 6 Steps to COVID security guidance in full (see https://clubsupport.bmfa.uk/6-steps-to-covid-secure ) the gathering limits (Rule of 6) do NOT apply.
It is important to note that after conducting the required COVID risk assessment that a club may need to implement a restriction on numbers to enable the correct social distancing.
For model flying outside of the control of model flying clubs the gathering limits still apply.
C.C. All Club Chairmen and Secretaries.
Further to our earlier communication, the legislation related to the current lockdown passed in to law on Wednesday 4th November. The regulations are very clear and unambiguous about what venues must close and they include all outdoor recreation and leisure amenities. Model flying clubs are sports clubs and therefore their club flying sites are outdoor sports amenities and must close if they are to comply with the regulation.
Model flying itself has not been prohibited during the lockdown period and as an outdoor recreation may possibly continue in public open spaces dependent on any local restrictions. BMFA insurance remains valid as long as you are operating lawfully. However, legislation limits outdoor gatherings to no more than 2 (unless from the same household) and the BMFA advises that members do not fly alone for safety reasons.
Regardless of the legal position, if the landowner perceives that a club or individual is carrying on flying against regulations during the lockdown it could put permission for model flying on the site at risk. You should also consider the perception from the general public if they also see you carrying on during lockdown.
Therefore, whilst it may still be possible for one or two individuals to fly at a club site on a public open space without being in breach of the regulations, we strongly recommend that members refrain from doing so for the duration of the lockdown.
C.C. All Club Chairmen and Secretaries.
We have today issued updated guidance relating to the latest COVID-19 restrictions and how they affect model aircraft flying.
Unfortunately, the Government instruction (subject to passing through Parliament on Wednesday) in relation to Indoor and Outdoor recreation and sports facilities in England from Thursday 5th November at 00.01 am (which included model flying club sites) is unequivocal and they must close.
Please see https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2694/Latest-Covid-19-restrictions-and-model-aircraft-flying-2-11-2020 for the full statement which includes guidance for the devolved nations too.
Important note:- We must advise members to follow Government/NHS guidance and stay at home wherever possible. It’s time to get the building board out again!
On another matter the Society AGM this year is coming up on Saturday 14th November 2020, due to the COVID restrictions this year the AGM will be an online Webinar. It is perhaps an opportunity to ensure your club is represented at the AGM without the need for your club representative having to travel. The AGM itself should not last much more than an hour so will only involve a small part of your day.
If your club hasn’t yet registered a representative to attend club secretaries can do so using the online form at https://agm.bmfa.uk/registration
Further details, the Agenda and instructions if you wish to appoint a proxy to represent your club are available at https://agm.bmfa.uk
Please stay safe!
This message from the BMFA superceeds any previous information, so currently Forton is closed for flying.
Guidance for Model Flyers and Individuals involved in Model Flying from the BMFA
- If you or anyone in your household has any of the symptoms of COVID-19 you must stay at home. The main symptoms are:
- A high temperature.
- A new continuous cough.
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
- You must also stay at home if you have experienced COVID-19 symptoms in the past 14 days, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14-days, or have had contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case.
- The effects of the COVID-19 virus are most serious in men over the age of 60, especially those with other underlying health problems. If you fall into this category, we would urge careful consideration before venturing out and risking any potential exposure to the virus, however small the risk may be.
- Only travel to the flying site on your own or with members of your household.
- Only travel based on what is permitted by current government guidelines.
- On arrival and departure ensure you register with the club’s track and trace process.
- At the flying site only mix with members of your household or up to 5 people outside your household but stick to social distancing guidelines.
- Do not mix with any other individuals present outside of your group of 6 (bubble) at any time.
- Always carry and use hand sanitiser as part of your model flying equipment.
- Use hand sanitiser before and after making contact with any shared surfaces or equipment.
- Consider when the use of face masks for added protection is appropriate.
- If you become ill with any of the recognised COVID-19 symptoms (while onsite or within 10 days afterwards) contact your club track and trace co-ordinator immediately.
We remain in the midst of a pandemic. The situation is dynamic and current Government advice must be followed.
Guidance for SMFC for flying at Forton
- Keep to social distance rules.
- Use the hand-sanitiser and disposable gloves in the clubhouse.
- Please log your attendance in the attendance log book (new rule).
- New buddying 5m leads have been purchased to enable buddying in a socially distant manner.
- Above all, “be alert” , remember lerts have less accidents 😉