Dear BMFA Member
We hope this email finds you well.
Unfortunately, the Government extended the current lockdown restrictions for a further 3 weeks at least from 16/4/2020. This is very frustrating especially as the weather has been excellent recently. However, if we all metaphorically stick together (literally would not be in the spirit of social distancing!) we will be doing our bit to help bring this national emergency to an end sooner rather than later.
We have received several calls and emails from members of the public who have witnessed model flying taking place during the lockdown. We are aware of at least one case where the Police were involved moving some model flyers along. Of course, they may not have been BMFA members.
Everyone should consider the effect of their actions in this time of crisis; not only the extra risks involved in going out but also how it reflects on the sport we all love.
Our advice remains to always follow the government advice which is: only to leave home for a limited number of reasons, these are: –
- shopping for basic necessities, for example, food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
- one form of exercise a day, for example, a run, walk or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
- any medical need, including, to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or, to provide care or help to a vulnerable person.
- travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.
This does of course give many of us plenty of time to finish off those winter projects or even to get a head start on another project, hopefully it will not be too long before we are all back flying.
We are aware that many of you who have 3D printers are actively involved in producing PPE for various essential workers, very well done you should be extremely proud of your efforts.
CAA Operator ID’s
Operator ID’s for those who requested CAA registration through the BMFA before February 10th have now been added to the membership portal and individual members can view these from the ‘Member Details’ section of their profile. For those who requested CAA registration after 10th February, the next upload to the CAA will be taking place on 3rd June and you will receive your operator ID’s direct from the CAA shortly afterwards. These will also be added to the portal.
Website Updates
As mentioned in our last email the new events calendar is now up and running at https://events.bmfa.uk/ and events are starting to be added. The next website update we are working on is a newly updated classifieds section. This is not ready yet and we will give everyone plenty of notice before the changeover. It is almost certain that to place adverts and reply to adverts that you will need to access the classifieds section by first logging in to the Go Membership portal. The aim is that this will give increased security especially as wanted adverts, which are the adverts most targeted by scammers, will only be visible to logged in current BMFA members.
Finally, as reported in earlier correspondence, despite the lockdown requirements the office switchboard is till being manned and emails still monitored at this time. The day to day work of the office is continuing and the BMFA are still working hard to protect and promote model aircraft flying in all its forms.
That’s all for now.
Stay well. Stay at home. Protect the NHS and save lives!
Best Regards from all at the BMFA.
