NVA FAQa

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This page is still under development so please contact the club if your question is not answered here
webmaster@flynva.org

Q1) What types of models can be flown at the club?	A1) Any, however the runway is not very suitable for jets and the site is not suitable for free-flight models as there is a lot of forest around.
Q2) What are the clubs fees?	A2) Details on the 2010 membership form which can be downloaded from the membership page.
Q3) If I join late in the year is there a reduction in the fees?	A3) If you join on or after 1 Oct the club fee is reduced to £20 and the BMFA fee is reduced by by £5 for the remainder of the year. You will also receive a credit note from the BMFA for the following year.
Q4) Can you recommend a model/equipment to get me started in model flying?	A4) This will depend on the type of models that you are interested in and we suggest you contact the club and arrange to visit the field and talk to the members before you spend any money, whenever possible. There are many different types of model and costs vary significantly.
Q5) How much does it cost to get started in radio control model flying?	A5) This is a very difficult question but if you buy new equipment you can expect to spend £200 to £500. This can be less especially if you acquire some second hand equipment. At the same time there is almost no real maximum.
Q6a) Do I need a licence to operate radio control equipment? Q6b) Do I need insurance?	A6a) No A6b) Although it is not a legal requirement, it is very highlt recommended. NVA is a club affiliated to the BMFA (British Model Flying Association) and as such all members are covered by their insurance policy. It is important to remember that only paid up members of the club (or guests under supervision) are insured and all others must not fly at the site. Also note that all members of the BMFA are insured at any site within the UK.
Q7) Do I need training to fly radio control model aircraft?	A7) You can teach yourself but the club strongly recommend against it. Although serious accidents are rare, there is a safety issue. Many models are capable of flying at over 80 mph and if that hits you it will do you any good! The club has a number of instructors who are well experienced and very happy to teach you at no cost! Follow their plan and you will fly safely and minimise the damage to your models.
Q8) Are there people in the club that can help if I have problems?	A8) Yes - All the club's existing members are very willing to help new members. They are a very friendly bunch and very enthusiastic about their model flying!
Q9) Are members allowed guests?	A9) Yes - however. there is a limit to the number of times a guest can fly at the club and they must either be a BMFA member or be under the supervision of a responsible club member - See the club constitution and rules for current details.
Q10) Are there toilets at the flying field?	A10) No, but there are lots of bushes and a large forest very near!
Q11) Who runs the club?	A11) The club is run by an committee, the members of which are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting which normally takes place in December. The "Contacts" page lists all the current committee members, their positions on the committee and their contact details.
Q12) Who should I contact if I am considering joining the club?	A12) The Secretary or Chairman of the club however any of the committee members can be contacted for details. Alternatively, potential members are welcome to visit the field when there is flying; noting that helicopter flyers generally meet on Saturdays 10 till 1 pm (roughly) and fixed wing flyers on Sundays at the same time. It is better however, if you call to arrange a lime so you can be sure there will be someone there who can help.
Q13) Does the club have rules and regulations?	A13) Yes, and they are for the most part strictly applied simply since most are related to safety which is never compromised but also we have to meet the requirements of our insurers (BMFA) and the law, particularly with respect to the current child protection laws. - Details can be found on the Constitution page of this web site.
Q14) Does the club have a child protection policy?	A14) Yes it does and details can be found on the Constitution page of this web site. The club does have a welfare officer who's job is to see that the policy is applied. Most of the committee members are CRB checked
Q15 Can you recommend any books about model flying?	.A15) If you become a new member of the model flying association (BMFA) you will receive a voucher for 'Up and Away' an invaluable easy to read guide explaining the essentials of how to pilot a model fixed wing aircraft. Also there are scores of books available - please advise the webmaster if you can recommend any.