Information relating to the Club membership

Swindon Model Aero Club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA). The Committee enforces all the safety rules and guidelines required by the BMFA plus our own Code of Practice.

If you are a competent pilot and can demonstrate safe aircraft handling and flying you can be considered for membership. It is a requirement for Club membership that members hold their own BMFA membership and must hold a current CAA Operator ID (drone registration) and Flyer ID. The club has an instructional video on the SMAC YouTube channel with guidance for paying these fees via the BMFA Portal.

If you are a novice pilot who requires flight instruction we limit student numbers so the training team can give focused time and attention to each student. If you are a novice you can apply to be added to the training waiting list. If a training place becomes available, our team of instructors can provide initial flight training with 15 free flying tuition sessions – see the ‘Getting Started’ page. 

If you are a competent pilot but do not hold a BMFA A,B or C Certificate we can arrange your test.

The flying of large models over 7.5kg weight requires the pilot to hold a BMFA ‘B’ Certificate and demonstrate thorough pre flight preparation, safe operation and flying of larger models with attention shown to correct positioning of the model in the circuit.
 

What do you get for your Membership Fee?

Your membership fee includes the following:

  • Use of our private 220 metre long grass flying site.
  • A comfortable clubhouse with drinks facilities, telephone and toilets.
  • Secure car parking with vehicle access to the pits for unloading models.
  • Regular Club newsletters & email bulletins.
  • Club YouTube channel with videos of members models flying on site.
  • Club Website with information, news and photo gallery.
  • Club Facebook page.
  • Club Instagram account.
  • Social nights with modelling and aero related talks.
  • Modelling workshops instructing on building, covering and setting up models.
  • Catered summer fun fly and scale events.
  • Whatsapp groups for members to meet up to fly, social chat, models for sale, and events.
  • Online weather station links showing conditions on site.
  • Flying tuition/guidance to solo flight standard, subject to training place availability.
  • Examinations for BMFA  A,B & C Certificates can be arranged.
  • Flying assistance for older members who haven’t flown recently to regain their confidence.
  • Associate membership of the Vale of White Horse Gliding Club with reduced rates for glider flights.

How do I apply for membership?

Please contact the Membership Secretary to request consideration for future membership using Email:  smac2000.org.uk@gmail.com

All memberships are subject to availability, Committee approval and a probation period.