Testing time for Dornoch Model Club
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Members of Dornoch Model Flying Club (DMFC) are having to pass competency tests in order to comply with new legislation, the club’s chairman has revealed.
Malcolm Hayes said new Civil Aviation Authority rules being applied to the operation of drones had had a direct impact on the hobby in the UK. Operators of a drone or model aircraft outdoors weighing more than 250grammes require to have a competency test and a registration number displayed on their models.
Mr Hayes said: “All DMFC members have had to pass a CAA competency test and obtain registration certificates.”
The club held its AGM on January 6 at which Mr Hayes gave a review of the year past, with one of the highlights being the award of a red rosette for the best outside stand at Sutherland County Show. It was agreed to take a stand again at the 2020 show and also to attend the Light Aircraft Association’s (STRUT) summer fly-in at Dornoch.
The club’s financial situation continued to be strong with a number of donations received in 2019.
However on the down side, Mr Hayes expressed disappointment that the club had not attracted as many junior members as it would have liked. A Facebook page has been created In a bid to reach a wider and younger audence. The club also had to create a new website (dornochmfc.bmfa.uk) after its old one was corrupted.
An initial four-year user agreement with Highland Council for the club’s use of Dornoch airfield was signed and paid for in 2019. It is now a legal requirement to obtain prior approval from the authority to use the airfield. Club members are banned from flying drones at the airfield.
A new safety officer was appointed while the remaining committee members agreed to continue in their roles for another year. Two members agreed to become instructors, bringing the total number of club instructors up to four.
Subscription rates for 2020 were approved to reflect the costs of maintaining the fleet of training models and equipment as well as use of the West Church Hall and renewal fees for airfield access.
