Hmm, A licence needed for novice the field?

So I'm happy to say that I'm a member of the club but have some across what may be a stumbling block - the need for an A licence at the field. At the moment I'm flying the mCPX, could I fly this without the licence?

Jason,

There maybe a case for small helis only to be flown solo and without an A at the field. The rule is there to protect the public and ourselves from planes flying off and causing damage or an accident. In my opinion that's not really possible with helis such as the mCPX but if it was allowed then where do we draw the line? As it happens the committee will be meeting in the very near future, I'll bring it up and see what the feeling is

Well done for joining the best club in the world! And good luck!

I think the mCPX is the smallest cp helicopter an can handle a bit of wind, the next up would bring the 130x which again is a step-up in power and speed but still can only fly in light winds.

Hi Jason,

The BMFA A certificate is only required to fly solo at the field. The reason we ask for that, is so that we have evidence that a pilot is competent enough to fly safely. It provides evidence that the ppilot can meet a basic standard of flying, and not be a danger to other users, the cattle, and property.

It sounds harsh, but the good news is that the A test is a pretty simple affair. pretty much everyone should be able to acheive the standard required with a little bit of practice, and it doesn't cost anything to take the A certificate test (unless you fancy bribing the examiners!).

If you don't have the A cert, it doesn't mean you cannot fly at teh field. All it means is that you need to have a suitable spotter with you when you fly at the field. By suitable, I mean someone who already has their A test. There is almost always someone willing to do that when the weather is good enough to be flying down at the field, and I certainly had no problems with it over the last few years (I still haven't got my Heli A cert too!)

I hope that makes sense!

Andy