Welcome to the BMFA Contest Resources website.
Everything you need to know about BMFA contests and the competitive side of model aircraft flying is here on this website.
Why Compete?
Because it can be exciting, demanding, emotional, gripping, often frustrating but hugely satisfying – all of these things. But, above all, it brings together model flyers with a shared passion who inspire and push each other to be the best that they can be whilst enjoying convivial company - and having fun!
Competition spurs improvements in aircraft design and construction and challenges pilots get the best out of themselves and their equipment. And it’s so much easier and cheaper to get into than you might think. With over 150 competition classes spread across a multitude of free flight, control-line and radio-controlled model types there is something for everyone. You don’t need to be an expert or to have deep pockets to have a great time whatever your aspirations. And age is no barrier with junior classes available right up to World Championship level. Just take a look at the tiles on our Activities Page and you’ll get a flavour of the terrific range of opportunities available.
Competing in these events is not just about winning trophies; it's a celebration of aviation, engineering marvels and the sheer joy of flight. Competition is commonly about pushing boundaries and offers a platform for innovation and creativity. Experimenting with novel designs, incorporating modern technologies, and challenging the limits of aerodynamic performance can set one apart as a top competitor. But in many classes you can be competitive with a ready-built or relatively simple model so don’t let lack of experience or dexterity with a modelling knife put you off.
Beyond the thrill of competition, model aircraft contests foster a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants. Competition flying maybe extremely serious at times but once the contest is run members love to share knowledge, exchange tips and debate each other’s achievements creating a supportive community where enthusiasts come together to celebrate their passion for model flying. Regardless of one's ability it is a great and exciting way to learn new skills and interact with fellow modellers from other clubs at home and abroad.
How and Where to Start?
The best place to start is at local level. Model aircraft Events and Competitions are held indoors and outdoors throughout the year across the UK, organised by our Clubs, Areas, Technical Committees and Specialist Bodies. Many are held at our National Centre at Buckminster but you should be able to find something nearer to home. Check out our Events Calendar to see what’s coming up. Spectators and first-timers are welcome at most of our competitions but do check whether you need to pre-enter if you want to take part. If you can pair up with an experienced competitor through your club or Social Media so much the better.
Many of our BMFA clubs hold competitions throughout the year. After each round, competitors' positions are noted and scores taken and at the end of the year the competition trophy is awarded to the club’s best pilot.
The BMFA promotes and holds annual National Championships for all model flying classes and disciplines, organised by our Technical Committees and Specialist Bodies. Each ensures that the `Nationals’ are widely advertised and open to all, at the same time encouraging newcomers to join in and start competing. Indeed, some classes have an award for the highest placed newcomer. We believe in acknowledging excellence and maintain one of the sport’s largest collections of trophies and awards, some dating back over 100 years and inscribed with the names of famous British aviation pioneers. The season ends with a celebration dinner where our National Champions and other Award winners receive their trophies.
For many, the pinnacle of sport is to represent their country and for those with perseverance, dedication and passion the sky really is the limit. The BMFA supports its members to compete at International level by encouraging its Technical Committees and Specialist Bodies to host World Cup Contests and send flyers across the Globe to compete for Great Britain. These are non-Championship events and are a great way to gain international experience. FAI World and European Championships are held in alternate years and selection for British teams usually takes place the previous year to allow team members time to hone their skills prior to pitting themselves against the World’s best from over 32 Countries. The BMFA is proud to count many individual and team World and European Champions amongst our present and former members. You could soon be one of them!
Find out more about our international teams at https://bmfa.club/category/international-team-news
For more information about BMFA contests and the competitive side of model aircraft and drone flying, including access to rule books and contest results visit our contest resources website at https://contests.bmfa.uk
Organisation
The Global governing body for all Air Sports is the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (World Air Sports Federation) known as the FAI which is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Each member country has a National Airsport Control Organisation (NAC) which , for the UK, is the Royal Aero Club (RAeC).
The BMFA’s mandate as the National Governing Body for the sport of model flying comes from the RAeC and dates back to 1922. Model Flying is by far the largest air sport in the UK and is recognised as such by the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Agencies for Sport of the four home countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The BMFA represents the UK in the international forum through its recognition by the FAI and membership of the FAI’s model flying sub-committee, the Commission Internationale d'Aeromodelisme (CIAM).
