The Weather for Bristol - United Kingdom

Click here for membership or general information about South Bristol Model Aircraft Club

We have more than 40 members who both "fly for fun" and in competitions. Flying meetings take place all year round. 

 

January 2012 - Membership renewal + Xmas Raffle + Helicopter
February 2012 - Electric power.
March 2012 - Auction.
April 2012 - Build a "chuckie".
May 2012 - Quiz.
June 2012 - Electric for beginners. including C/L, F/F
July 2012 - Control line night.
August 2012 - Free Flight night.
September 2012 - Indoor night.
October 2012 - Film night.
November 2012 - AGM + prize giving of the 2012 events.
December 2012 - Membership renewal + next seasons calandar preview.

Visitors since 1st Jan 2006

Website Updated 21st Feb 2012

2012 Club Night Information

‘Model Flying Have-a-go’ day

First event - Sunday April 15th.

 

           This year our club is hosting an event designed to let people sample the delights of Control-Line flying.

 

           For those not familiar with this form of model flying it involves piloting a model which is controlled via lines, normally 40-70 feet long, attached to a handle. This handle gives the pilot the ability to move the elevators of the model whilst in flight. This is completely different to radio control as the model is closer (i.e. the length of the lines away) and with the line connection there is instant physical feedback from the model as it responds to the pilots actions.  Control-Line models can be flown in many different disciplines. There are competitions for scale, aerobatics (stunt), speed, combat and team race – not forgetting just ‘fly-for-fun’.  Most people can quickly pick up the basic skills necessary to fly control-line and it is suitable for all age groups (from about 8 years upwards) with many of our members of retirement age (and with a few female pilots also).

 

           The models being used for  this event are especially designed for extra stability and ruggedness! .They use a 1.5cc diesel motor and have a small fuel tank to limit the initial flights to 5-10 laps – to help avoid giddiness.

           These models are very similar to some of our ‘team race’ models and we are hoping that those ‘having-a-go’ might also get the chance to take part in an informal race.

            Normal team-race involves 2 or 3 pilots in the same circle attempting to do a set number of laps, normally 100 with 2 compulsory pit stops, in the fastest time.   Flying 2 or 3-up is a skill in itself and can be rather daunting for complete beginners. For this reason we will be ‘team racing’ with the new pilots flying in adjacent circles and we will also limit the races to just 30 laps and however many refills/pit stops it takes.

 

The ‘have-a-go’ event is scheduled for Sunday April 15th 2012 at Hamfields Leisure Centre (Berkeley) from noon onwards.
(Hamfields (postcode GL13 9TN) is about 1 mile from Berkeley and adjacent to the power station. Berkeley is off the A38 and between junctions 13 & 14 of the M5)

            Everybody will be welcome – from complete beginners to those that “flew years ago but haven’t tried it since”. There is no charge. The site has a social club with toilet facilities and where refreshments can be purchased. You might like to bring seats to sit and take in the action outdoors.

            If visitors enjoy the experience – and we’re sure they will! – There will be follow-up sessions at Berkeley available in May and July. In June they will also be welcome to come along to our club gala when they can see ‘proper’ team race and combat models in competitive action.

            Registration is necessary for insurance purposes. This is free and can be done any time after 12 with ‘have-a-go’ flying taking place from 1p.m. Any ‘team racing’ will probably be taking place after 4p.m.

            If you have any queries at all please feel free to contact our club secretary ( Dave ) on 0117 9672323.

            If the weather looks doubtful on the actual day please check with Dave on 07714153377 for confirmation.