Helicopters at the Sports centre

Hi, I'm new to both the forum and flying so 'Hi'. I've been into rc for years but only took up helicopters before Christmas, currently flying a Blade MCPX. I'd like to ask if I became a member would I be able to fly it at the Sports Centre?

Hi Jason
yep no problem with the MCPX i sometimes fly my Trex 250 there and a few others have flown 450 size there aswell

I think we already have a few members with MCPX's don't we? Feel free to pop down on Saturday Jason, and see what the crack is!

Andy

Thanks for the replies guys. At the moment I'm mastering hovering at full rates and IU in a pretty small lounge so I could do with some room to try forward flight and turns. I have to admit the club fee is a little off-putting at the moment, I think if/when I progress to the larger heli's I'd be more inclined to join.

We don't want to sound off putting or to spoil the fun, you have three visits whereby you fly before you have to decide to join the club or at least get BMFA or equivalent insurance to continue after this stage, we (RDMFC) & it's membership as an affiliated club of the BMFA pay as part of the annual subscriptions to have the necessary insurance cover.

When you come along to the indoor a member of the club must stand along side you as you fly.

Excellent, thanks for clearing that up - as long as I'm insured I can fly with you guys? I've just ordered a handful of new batteries in anticipation of an eventful afternoon, if the insurance is all I need I could arrange that before the weekend. Would it also cover me for flying anywhere in the UK, parks, etc?

You can fly with us at the indoor or outdoor venues, the BMFA will cover a new flyer for three visits to the flying site, after the three visits insurance and club membership is required if you wish to continue to fly using RDMFC facilities.

You can join RDMFC, the subscriptions include one years club membership & one years insurance cover, membership and insurance cover runs from 1st January to 31st December each year. An additional payment for new members of £15 is payable in the first year. £98.00, £83 if current member.

Junior members under 18yrs old only have to pay BMFA insurance, RDMFC subsidise the membership fee and new member fee as long as the member remains a junior. £16.00 (BMFA only) No charge if junior associate member

You can join the club as an associate member where you arrange suitable insurance cover, the cover will have to be verified with the BMFA & a copy of the certificate of insurance is to be handed to the Membership Secretary. An additional payment for new members of £15 is payable in the first year.
£75.00, £60.00 if current associate member.

Hope this helps.

You ask
Would it also cover me for flying anywhere in the UK, parks, etc?.
Regarding BMFA Insurance cover, the insurance is only valid providing the landowner or or other facility provider has given permission for you or you as a club member to fly or operate models.
This permission should be in writing.
Even then you must observe the BMFA guidelines.

In my experience, flying in public parks may not necessarily be possible, simply because the public have the right to occupy any part of the park and priority is not yours to demand.

Jason, flying a little model in a small space is great, but when you get a big bit of space to fly it in, things get soooo much easier. You no longer have to worry about clouting the TV, or denting the furniture. You get all that space above, below and around to make mistakes, and get the hang of new manouvres.

Regarding teh club membership/BMFA fees, it is a fairly significant chunk of cash, but you do get a lot for your money.

The BMFA part of the fees covers you for the insurance side of things (including a personal accident section too, great if you chop a leg off with a helicopter or something mad). The cover is really rather good if you read the specs on the BMFA website.

As for the club fees, then that gets you year round access to an outdoor flying site, that has enough space for biiig planes/helis, and has very few restrictions on what you can fly and when. (as well as the indoor meets throughout the winter.). If you think about it in another way, it is less than £2 a week. Most people I know spend more than that on milk....

Andy

Well I popped along to Rhyl Sports Centre this afternoon and was warmly received by Mark who handed me over to Jason and Neil who both took the time to make me feel welcome, Jason giving up his flying time to explain some simple, basic manoeuvres to get me going. I was extremely pleased with the way I was flying, so much better with more room, if not a little daunting. Only managed to break a landing skid which is now repaired. If it's OK with you guys I'd like to make another visit next week and then think about membership? It was also good to put a face to Andy, a big thanks to everyone.

Hi and welcome from me too - sorry I didnt introduce myself today - could see you were busy !
Glad you enjoyed it

Tim wrote:Hi and welcome from me too - sorry I didnt introduce myself today - could see you were busy !
Glad you enjoyed it

'Busy' was an understatement, having never flown in such a large open area it was 100% concentration time. I thoroughly enjoyed it though, I think it is something I could get used to - 3D here I come!!

Glad you liked it Jason, and I hope we didn't put you off too much

Andy

Andy Sayle wrote:Glad you liked it Jason, and I hope we didn't put you off too much

Andy

No not at all, I felt I was made very comfortable and enjoyed myself immensely. If it's OK I'm going to get my membership form off this week so should be enrolled/insured by the weekend

Send that to me I like money

Rich wrote:Send that to me I like money

Hi I've just been round to your house (I think) to drop off a cheque and application but there appears no one is home, could you let me know when you get it?