Swindon Model Aero Club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) and SMAC members must hold their own BMFA membership which provides insurance cover and many other benefits. Members must also hold current CAA Operator and Flyer ID’s to fly legally. For more information about the BMFA go to https://bmfa.org.

We actively encourage members to work towards passing the BMFA ‘A’ and ‘B’ proficiency certificates. We have a team of Instructors and Examiners to get new pilots into the air and to quickly gain confidence to take their ‘A’ or ‘B’ certificate. If you are new to our hobby we can provide initial flight training on club training models to start your journey into the world of model flying before purchasing your own model. We currently limit novice pilot numbers so the training team can give focused time and attention to each student until cleared to fly solo. Contact the Membership Secretary to check training availability.

If you are are already a proficient pilot but have not taken your BMFA ‘A’ or ‘B’ certificate, we can assist you to reach the required standard. These skills will improve your flying and enjoyment of the hobby. If you already have an ‘A’ or ‘B’ but have been away from the hobby or you feel that as you get older you have lost some confidence in your flying ability, please do get in touch as the Club recognises this issue and wants to keep everyone flying as long as possible. We can arrange for you to have a ‘Buddy’ to stand with you while you fly to offer encouragement or assist with the flight.

We are currently at full membership capacity and operate a waiting list. Please email smac2000.org.uk@gmail.com to ask the Membership Secretary if you can be added to the waiting list.

As tempting as it may be to jump straight into the hobby with the Supermarine Spitfire that you have always dreamt of, it is highly recommended that you start your flying training with a model like the ones shown below. Generally they are high wing, tricycle undercarriage models because they are predictable, forgiving, easier to take off and land, and will give you confidence as you progress. Some models have electronic stability assistance which aids a new flyer by preventing excessive control movement and keeping the model in level flight. The assistance can be reduced as the pilots confidence and abilities improve.

The BMFA has an extremely handy resource base which will cover all your needs and how you can progress. Please take a look https://achievements.bmfa.uk/

We hope that we can aid you in your journey to becoming a competent model pilot and enjoying the varied challenges the hobby provides.

Below are typical types of training aircraft you can expect to be suitable for learning to fly