A chairman’s letter to members July 2007.

 

 

There seems to be a few members who believe or have heard rumours that the Gloucester Model Flying Club intends to ban the operation of models powered by internal combustion engines.

 

This is simply not true.

 

The Gloucester Model Flying Club has always prided itself on being a general model-flying club for all types of model aircraft not even just radio control models. Control line and free flight types have been flown in the past if the flying site allows their safe operation.

 

Unlike other local clubs we do not have any bans on model types, these bans inevitably are based on ignorance and superstition. Restrictions of no helicopters, no gyroplanes or no use of 27 mhz radios can all be found within the rules of Gloucestershire based clubs, but not in the Gloucester Model Flying Club rules.

 

When I joined the GMFC back in the mid nineties there was a ban on gliders despite flying from then wide-open spaces of the old Brockworth airfield. To this day there are some power flies that think that a model with no motor is dangerous, as it cannot be properly controlled.

 

However one does have to operate models that are suitable to any flying site, not just the size of the strip but also the size of the available flying area and the location of residential properties to the site only limiting the types of models flown.

 

While the club has not actually banned any types it is accepted by the majority of members that certain types are impractical. Last year some persons were looking at flying jets from the site fortunately common sense prevailed. If any person thinks that the Standish lane site is suitable for jets then one must ask, are they a person who should be flying model aircraft let alone playing with jets?

 

There has been a huge swing to the operation of electric models within the club they now represent 75% of the models flown by club members, check out photos in the blog pages. I try to include all types but if there are no IC models on the field then I cannot photograph them.

 

This move to electric flight is not just a GMFC phenomena, picking up a copy of RCM&E for July 2007 I was interested to read the editor (Graham Ashby) editorial headed “Watt watch” where on visit to his local club he was “somewhat taken aback by the total absence of anything with a proper engine”. For more details check out the RCM&E website, see “Watt watch” and add your observations and comments at http://www.modelflying.co.uk/forum

 

So there will be no bans on IC models while I am Chairman of the GMFC. I have a large investment in IC models both fixed wing and helicopters and wish to be able to operate them at GMFC sites. The fact I choose to fly mainly electric models is simply my choice but is probably a sign of the times, the “times are not a changing” they have already changed.

 

So please fly models that are within your ability to fly within the site at Standish lane, and that you can stay within the flying area and still enjoy your model flying. All I ask of IC fliers is to make sure your models are effectively silenced; we have several new properties near the field with the constant danger of noise complaints. So please fly safely and operate with consideration for others in a common sense manner.

 

Chris Bishop

Chairman Gloucester Model Flying Club

July 2007.