BMFA B test problems

[moyesboy]

Where is a description and diagram of the new B test available please?
(second ask in this thread).
The BMFA B test PDF download is dated 2006 and has the M in it.

[Gaza07]

my favourite unexpected event was having a swan fly at my heli. No idea what it was thinking but I had to get out the way or it would have ploughed straight through it.
So I now don't take any A or B seriously unless the person can demonstrate the ability to miss a giant stuffed swan being thrown at their heli

What about frozen chickens im told rolls royce use em

[Ashley Davis]

That's some weird field you fly at that has frozen chickens flying at ur heli

[pchristy]

Rob,

I hear what you're saying Rob, but remember that under the FAI rules (which is what we use at contests in this country - including the Nats), the "no-fly" zone is 5 metres BEHIND the pilot! (in line with the judges)

You would be amazed how many pilots get close to this line without realising it. Quite a number of well known names have gotten themselves "zeroed" over the years because they didn't pick a suitable landmark before they started flying!

Its an easy mistake to make. Anyone can do it. And a display organiser has to be sure the pilots can cope.

As you say, a moot point now, but I'm sure we would all have been happier just to keep the "M". After all we've been using it for 30 years without incident!

But this is what happens when fixed-wing pilots are asked to make judgement calls on heli matters. I seem to be the only heli pilot representing us at BMFA level, and I can't be everywhere!

Cheers,

--
Pete

[Rainman]

As you say, a moot point now, but I'm sure we would all have been happier just to keep the "M". After all we've been using it for 30 years without incident!

But this is what happens when fixed-wing pilots are asked to make judgement calls on heli matters. I seem to be the only heli pilot representing us at BMFA level, and I can't be everywhere!

Pete

Pete

How long had Concord been flying before safety suddenly became an issue? Do we have to wait for a major incident?

I personally have seen so many "close calls" with the hovering M that it became my main priority to see it go. If the FAI rules allow flying with any part of the helicopter behind the pilot, then shouldn't someone be telling them that their rules are wrong

As you are well aware, your comments about fixed wing pilots making judgements on heli matters is somewhat wide of the mark. The demise of the M was started by me. I had been asking canditates (A, B and E) for their thoughts on the tests for a long time, I took the ideas to the heli examiners workshops (plural), where they were discussed (with heli pilots) alternatives were discussed (with heli pilots) test flights were conducted (with heli pilots). Then came the BMFA involvement with my model club proposing to my BMFA area a list of changes to the achievement schemes. This was passed unanimously and taken to council. We were both invited to the Achievement Scheme Review Comittee, to discuss the proposed changes.

You are not the only heli pilot representing us at BMFA level ( I have been working on this for years) however it would be more accurate to say that you are the only heli pilot representing the minority competition element (AHA) at BMFA level

Talk to you soon


Richard

[robgt]

The BMFA B test PDF download is dated 2006 and has the M in it.

Indeed.

If the FAI rules allow flying with any part of the helicopter behind the pilot, then shouldn't someone be telling them that their rules are wrong

Yes!

Cheers,
Rob

[Rainman]

Can't find the 4 point pirouette listing but the "hokey cokey" is on here http://www.bmfa.org/news/wp-content/...partb_rev2.pdf


Richard

[robgt]

The addition of this manoeuvre makes it impossible to do a demo recording of the test on the simulator...
In case anyone was about to ask
LOL
Cheers,
Rob

[moyesboy]

I'm glad that the B part of the achievement scheme doesn't seem to be suspended and probably never was - or if it was it was only briefly.

However while the schedule manoevres are not published the achievment scheme is in effect suspended as nobody can prepare to take the test and nobody can examine it. So maybe some new pilot you are supposed to be encouraging into your FAI competitions ends up being excluded this spring...

It would appear that at least two people who posted in this thread are aware of what the new B test official shedule now is, so how about some sort of desription of it please?
(I don't really need to know who was against it and who was for it when and where etc. within reason I'm prepared to trust you more experienced guys as to what is good practice).

Meanwhile if a manoevre was withdrawn from the test schedule for safety reasons, I would assume it would be a matter of priority to remove that manoevre from info published on the BMFA website otherwise the BMFA is encouraging its members to practise something that it has already decided is unsafe

Who suggested getting the FAI commission to change their ideas?
I get my fill of FAI competition organisation in another sport

[Rainman]

I agree, the BMFA should ammend the information o their website, but like most things with the BMFA no doubt it will be done in time

See my previous post for a link to the 'B' part of the manouver that replaces the Hovering M.

I believe all heli examiners and chief examiners have been sent a copy through the post, so should be able to give you some help.


Richard

[robgt]

It would appear that at least two people who posted in this thread are aware of what the new B test official shedule now is, so how about some sort of desription of it please?

This was published, I think, in the last BFMA rag. Which everyone involved in helis eagerly awaits the publication of, I'm sure

Meanwhile if a manoevre was withdrawn from the test schedule for safety reasons, I would assume it would be a matter of priority to remove that manoevre from info published on the BMFA website otherwise the BMFA is encouraging its members to practise something that it has already decided is unsafe

Good point - but unless they have a webmonkey on hand, these things can take time...

Cheers,
Rob

[Richie b]

ok so does someone want to give me a full run down of the manoovers required for the 'B' or do i just turn up and fly like normal and some one goes "yep youve passed now bugger off and learn to fly planes or something that wont upset my zimmerframe" ????

[Rossi 46]

I agree with Pete. I flew once at a charity event which had the desiginated flying area all fenced off. But some teenagers got through and just ran out on to the flying strip on my left hand side whilst flying my helicopter. Belive me not a nice thing to happen during an aerobatic display.
You need to be prepared for the unexpected.

Regards Neil.

[robgt]

Isn't that what callers and shotguns are for?

Cheers,
Rob

[pchristy]

Pete, I'm curious,
Why does the AHA think it's safer to fly out of the starting box rather than carrying the model out like the 3D comps do?

Cheers,
Rob

Its not a question of what the AHA thinks is safe - its what the FAI rules require!

Since that's what we have to fly to everytime we go to a European or World Championship, its also what we have to do here.

The FAI rules are VERY specific about a lot of things. All the manoeuvres are specified to the nth degree. Its much more rigorously disciplined than 3D!

--
Pete