If a pilot already flies aerobatic schedules and is a member of an aerobatic association, may be one of their training sessions: NPODS (New Pilot Open Days) or EPODS (Established Pilots Open Days) or Training Days run by the specialist organisation may be more suited to your development, but we will try and help at any level.
The BMFA Introduction to Aerobatics is a basic step forward for any club pilot who wishes to get more from their flying. Although the days are run by volunteer precision aerobatic enthusiasts there is no pressure to fly competitions or join any particular group of pilots. Once the basics of model flying have been mastered, flying simple aerobatics is a natural progression for any club pilot. This is an opportunity to learn or improve those skills without any pressure.
Improve your flying whatever model you choose to fly
INTRODUCTION TO AEROBATICS – BMFA BUCKMINSTER
For Your Diary – the first Wednesday of every month – It’s all about you and your model
Since September 2017 on the first Wednesday of every month at BMFA Buckminster, enthusiastic aerobatic pilots volunteer to run ‘Introduction to Aerobatics’ days for the benefit of any BMFA member who wishes to improve their flying and maybe prepare for a higher standing.
What you need to bring
A model that you are happy to fly, that weighs less than 7.5 Kgs that will do a couple of loops and rolls. May be a chair to take to the flight line, a rain cover although we have use of the pilot’s shelter and usually the hanger. There are an outdoor mains sockets if you need to use your charging equipment.
We ask that you bring your own food so the cost to you will only be the daily flying rate for Buckminster. (2023 this is £10). Hot drinks can be made and there is a microwave available. (Please don’t forget to make a contribution in the honesty collection box).
Our Aim
These days are not about competition flying or becoming a member of any Specialist Body, although we will base our references on FAI international rules for F3A aerobatics and particularly the Introduction to Aerobatics ‘Have a Go’ schedule. However, you can fly whatever manoeuvres you chose on the day. Flying in a straight line from right to left and left to right, upright and then inverted is a good start, but it is up to you and you can make your flying as complicated as you wish.
We feel this is an opportunity for us to pass on the huge amount of knowledge gained over the years and give something back to our sport to encourage every pilot to have more control over their model from take-off to landing.
If the weather is unsuitable for flying or you prefer not to fly
We will still be here at Buckminster. You may wish to talk about your model set up or discuss any other aspect with other pilots. Just bring your model, transmitter and transmitter instruction book and we will help all we can.
On the Day – first time attendees – Click here for additional information about the day.
Starting at 10am in the Goldsmith Hanger first time pilots will be invited to a presentation covering: where we fit into our sport, our organisation, the basics of flying aerobatics, trimming your model and anything else you wish to discuss. This lasts up to 90 minutes and will give you the time to ask questions and think about what you would like to achieve from the day.
Immediately after the introductory meeting there will be a pilot’s briefing on the flight line to establish safety rules and the flight order. Before flying, preparing your aircraft is your responsibility and we will expect pre-flight and fail-safe checks, including correct control surface movement, to be carried out as recommended in the BMFA Handbook. The rest of the day is spent taking turns to fly. We only have one model in the air at a time and this is why we limit pilots attending to 10. This should give everyone enough time to fly several meaningful flights with a highly experienced mentor by your side.
If you want to attend as a ‘none flyer’ you can without charge, (small contributions to the centre are always welcome). Join the introduction presentation, bring a model if you need help with the setup, and be part of the discussions on the flight line.
To show what can be achieved there will be demonstration flights by the mentors of our “Have a Go’ manoeuvres, and if time allows other aerobatic schedules.
If you wish to arrive early and fly electric powered aircraft you can fly from around 08:30, (IC flying from 10:30) our mentors will be available from 10am to give advice.
On Subsequent Days
There will be a pilot’s briefing at 10am on the flight line to run through safety information and to agree the flight line procedures. (Unless you want to join the presentation for a second time). As we do on your first visit we stress that preparing your aircraft is your responsibility and we would expect pre-flight and fail safe checks including correct control surface movement to be carried out as recommended in the BMFA Handbook.
You may attend our days as many times as you wish and bypass our introduction session which gives you the maximum opportunity to fly, track your flying progress and ask further questions which may become more relevant after practicing back at your club.
If You Wish To Join Us.
Please email John Morton (jgmorton@hotmail.co.uk) or Ashley Hoyland (ahoyland@btinternet.com) for more information or to add your name to our mailing list and receive notifications of the next session. On the Monday evening two days before the event the first ten applicants will receive a final confirmation email. (If you ever wish to be taken off our mailing list, just email one of the addresses given).
Once registered if there are any unforeseen circumstances which stops the event going ahead, we would let you know by email on the previous Monday evening so you don’t travel unnecessarily.
Our Golden Rules
We should never be critical of any equipment brought to an ITA unless it is unsafe to fly. Our aim should be to give enough information to the pilot for them to conclude how they wish to proceed after their time with us. If a model is only capable of trying to fly straight lines in the conditions prevailing then that is what we should concentrate on. We must accept what type of model is being flown with careful consideration and advise on how to get the best from your their equipment.
We hope everyone will understand that there is more than one way of doing things, and our aim should be to give you enough information for you to eventually decide for yourself which will suit your style and benefit you most.
Thanks
We thank our mentors: John Morton who also looks after the administration, Alan Williams, Barry Buxton, Vince Beesley, Bob Smith and of course Manny Williamson, Andy Symons and the team at Buckminster who make all this possible.
