BMFA Elections (again)!

[pchristy]

Errrrrr.....
Not so suure about this.
The rest of the world got 2.4Ghz....it's not a UK invention .....

And the Americans (and quite a few places in Europe) use 72 MHz. But we can't. And if you are foolish enough to try, there is a significant chance of getting shot down. So what the rest of the world does is irrelevant. Its what the UK rules say that matter.

You are right in that it is unlikely anyone would come checking, but aside from the very substantial liability you would incur in the event of an accident (and remember, your insurance wouldn't cover you if you were found to be breaking the law!), powered models aren't that easy to hide.

We have enough problems trying to keep flying fields (something else the BMFA does rather well) when the law is on our side! Imagine trying to fight for the right to keep flying on a field when not only were your models illegal, but also the radio gear you were using.

Your argument reminds me of that hilarious scene in "The Life of Brian" - "What have the Romans ever done for us?"

Cheers,

--
Pete

[ross]

Isn't there a saying. "United we stand..divided we fall" ?

[robgt]

What have the Romans ever done for us?

Ok, apart from aquaducts, and roads, and baths, and...

ROFL

Thanks for the reminder!
Cheers,
Rob

[Bubblefish777]

If, however, you went and flew a model that was over the model weight limit stipulated by the CAA, and crashed it into someone injuring/killing them in the process - a lot more than nothing would happen...


They can and will (and do) - thats why we need organisations that can stand up and voice our side - to keep our flying fields going and to not have us shut down.

Cheers,
Rob

Of course a lot more would happen if you killed someone Rob.... I don't think driving your 600e into some old lady would be a good day for anyone. I can't see you getting out of the crap by pointing out politely :
" Well I know her head's over there officer BUT in fairness I was within my CAA weight limit"

As for the fields.... How can they shut you down....If it's your field and you and your mates are flying some Heli's then so what ? It's not like your broadcasting at Pirate Radio energy levels ? (which by the way have been found to interfere with REAL aircraft and they can't find those guys...)

Sorry for playing Devil's advocate here Rob (and others) I respect you all and would happily form a club with everyone on this board.... Just I have real issues with our nanny state at the moment. I hate smoking myself but I think the poor buggers who do got shafted and I see this sort of thing all the time. what's happened to us ?

[Bubblefish777]

And the Americans (and quite a few places in Europe) use 72 MHz. But we can't. And if you are foolish enough to try, there is a significant chance of getting shot down. So what the rest of the world does is irrelevant. Its what the UK rules say that matter.

You are right in that it is unlikely anyone would come checking, but aside from the very substantial liability you would incur in the event of an accident (and remember, your insurance wouldn't cover you if you were found to be breaking the law!), powered models aren't that easy to hide.

We have enough problems trying to keep flying fields (something else the BMFA does rather well) when the law is on our side! Imagine trying to fight for the right to keep flying on a field when not only were your models illegal, but also the radio gear you were using.

Your argument reminds me of that hilarious scene in "The Life of Brian" - "What have the Romans ever done for us?"

Cheers,

--
Pete

Glad I can make you smile Pete.
Your comments though remind me of every down trodden sod who every election votes for the same old party then wonders why they get shafted year after year.

Having worked for the government for 2 years as a consultant I can put my hand on my heart and tell you that they will keep on legislating and dictating to you as long as you let them. You seem to forget there's literally an army of people who need to be kept in a job and will focus on any easy target simply to give themselves something to do.

as long as you roll over they'll keep sticking it to you.


Let me ask you another question....people on this board have said they dislike the BMFA and the way they operate...so why has nothing changed ?

[robgt]

Thre's always more to it than meets the eye, eh
Pre-spread spektrum (i.e. 35mhz on this country), if you're within range of someone else who happens to switch on their transmitter, and it happens to be on the same frequency, there's very likely going to be a downed aircraft - and it might not just hit the floor - people can get hurt.
Clubs are situated a minimum distance apart from each other so this shouldn't happen... obviously, you get numpties who don't pay attention at their own clubs and switch on regardless, not much you can do about that to be honest, other than kick them out?

How can they shut you down

Well, there's a number of ways, including noise pollution, proximity to housing, etc etc. If you're out in the middle of nowhere - it's unlikely there would be a problem.

It's mainly about safety. Neither of my two clubs are BMFA affiliated clubs, we're just a group of likeminded individuals who just want to fly and enjoy the hobby. We do insist on having BMFA insurance though (country membership), because it's just not worth not being insured, it gives you multi-million pound 3rd party liability insurance for the sake of £27, currently. We pay a farmer for the use of his land, and we keep ourselves in check.

I too dislike intently the nanny state, it's a load of horse-sh1t, but this isn't that - this is about ensuring we are allowed to continue to enjoy the hobby. We do, however, need more heli representation at a higher level in the BMFA.

Considering the current state of affairs, this is a fairly reasonable analogy. We (heli flyers) are postal workers, and the BMFA is the Communication Workers Union - talking, on our behalf, to the Post office (relevant government departments) in order to maintain and improve our flying sites and availability (working conditions and pensions).

Something like that anyway
LOL

I like devils advocate - it gets people thinking!
Cheers,
Rob

[robgt]

people on this board have said they dislike the BMFA and the way they operate...so why has nothing changed ?

Because people are generally lazy and can't be bothered to effect change if it requires action on their part... pretty much
Cheers,
Rob

[Bubblefish777]

I'm with you on Insurance....

Wonder what would happen if you approached the BMFA saying you wanted a 'Heli Council ?' Wonder what would happen if you set up a virtual club on a forum and also ran the Heli Council on it ? suddenly you may have a very very large club with real presence and controls and input's ? Anyway...enough out of me..... the virtual club thing is from diving. More and more divers realise you can join virtual clubs as you simply arrange to go diving together and holidays etc. Probably wouldn't work for us. No more posts from me.

[philiphenderson]

Awesome thread.

Phil.

[pchristy]

Bubblefish,

Believe me, if a council wants to stop you flying on you own private land, they can and will!

Just ask any number of clubs that have been thrown off private land. It happened to my own club 3 times in quick succession some years ago.

The problem I have is that I seem to be the only helicopter voice prepared to stand up at BMFA meetings, and tell it like it is (or at least, as I see it), and I could seriously use some support!

As I've said earlier, there's a lot needs to be changed at the BMFA, but I can't do it all by myself.

There are a LOT of helicopter flyers out there, but as long as everyone just sits on their backsides navel gazing, nothing will ever change!

Cheers,

--
Pete

[robgt]

Pete,
If I had the time, I would try and help - but I simply can't do any more in the time I have... there's too much on my plate as it is!

I wish you all the very best though
Cheers,
Rob

[Bubblefish777]

Alright Pete.... I'll join....and get my ballot paper .... I assume there's a 'secretary' and I can do this over the phone.

[robgt]

You can download a PDF from the BMFA website - print it out, fill it in and post it off with your cheque

Not sure about the ballot paper - perhaps calling the office will get you one sent?
Cheers,
Rob

[pchristy]

Yes, once you've joined, the BMFA should send you a ballot paper on request.

Welcome aboard!

--
Pete