Which association should I join for insurance etc

[Ewan]

Hi All.

As a newbie that so far only flies in the confines of my own house the issue of public liability insurance is not one that has been at the top of my agenda.

However, at some point soon I would like to start flying my Blade 400 and would like to join both a local club and also one of BMFA or RCHA.

My main interest is helis but later on may be interested in fixed wing.

What are the pros/cons of joining one or both of he BMFA/RCHA?

Also does anyone know of any good clubs in the suffolk area?

Thanks

[David Drew]

What are the pros/cons of joining one or both of he BMFA/RCHA?

Thanks

Now you've lit the blue touchpaper

Much debate in the last couple of days.

Personally I'm still BMFA but I'm tempted to RCHA next year - just because the BMFA are being monopolistic about all this. IMHO

[Ewan]

Hi David,

Having made the original post decided to search the forums and now understand that this may be a fairly charged issue. Oops, did not mean to do that.

Maybe I should sit tight before making a decision as it looks like the waters are very muddy already.

[David Drew]

If I wanted my first insurance to fly in public like you I'd go BMFA. It's proven & you do get the mag a few times a year. But once RCHA is established I'm not so sure.

[Ewan]

Thanks David,

That seems sensible and I think that is reasonable, not having experience of either I it is hard to decide but my gut instinct rebels at the way the BMFA are behaving, not a nice way to be.

[Pitman]

:lurk5:

As a member of this forum, my heart says to join RCHA, if only to support Stuart. However, as David has pointed out, BMFA, is still the 'safe' option from a 'head' point of view, IMHO at least. My hope is that sooner rather than later, the two bodies can co-exist in harmony, and with mutual respect .

[Boggy]

can i just add that if you are looking for a local club,then once you have found one they are the best people to ask

[Mart61]

can i just add that if you are looking for a local club,then once you have found one they are the best people to ask

The irony in that statement, which I fully agree with, is that the only place with a full list of clubs to look for a local club is the BMFA web site.

[Boggy]

The irony in that statement, which I fully agree with, is that the only place with a full list of clubs to look for a local club is the BMFA web site.

lol very true Martin

[Mart61]

Mind you, I did look on the RCHA club locator and the only club in East Anglia that is listed is in Suffolk:

http://omhc.co.uk/

It's only 15 miles from Debenham too!

[Mark Chaplin]

Hi Ewan,

My advice to you would be to seek out your local clubs and see if they are BMFA affilated or not. This will probably answer your question for you. If they are affilated then you will probably join the BMFA and if they are not see which insurance they require you to have. One or the other or another!
I personnelly have BMFA insurance as shows and fly in's I attend require it. Also the BMFA are the reconized body that represents model flying as a whole all disciplines in the UK.
At the end of the day as long as your insurance choice covers you for what you intend doing within the hobby then thats the one whether it be BMFA, RCHA or A.N.Other.


This is my two pennies worth. I hope this helps?

Regards,

Mark.

[themagician]

which insurance

Hi All.

As a newbie that so far only flies in the confines of my own house the issue of public liability insurance is not one that has been at the top of my agenda.

However, at some point soon I would like to start flying my Blade 400 and would like to join both a local club and also one of BMFA or RCHA.

My main interest is helis but later on may be interested in fixed wing.

What are the pros/cons of joining one or both of he BMFA/RCHA?

Also does anyone know of any good clubs in the suffolk area?

Thanks

100% bmfa !! insurance .

[Ewan]

Thanks all for the advice and Mart61 for the link in paricular, will contact my local club and go from there.

[Stuart]

Good idea - its a choice that has to be made to suit your circumstances at the moment due to the influences outside our control. The RCHA has support and we are growing but ultimately you have to make that choice that suits you.

2011 we are aiming to level the field even further and make that choice more possible for those that want it.