Newsletter page 2

I have been contacted by many of the regular slope flyers who are planning to come again this year.

Dylan has been in touch with many more power flyers persuading them to come with a large variety of models.

As you know we run the event for three reasons: so that you can see spectacular models and flying; to let visiting flyers enjoy our exquisite flying site and slopes; and to raise some money to help to pay for the field rental and other club expenses. These benefits are for all members.

We need help with all the usual jobs. If there is anything you would particularly like to do please let Dylan know. Otherwise please just let Dylan know that you will be available. He will make a duty roster nearer the time. To date, as far as I know, apart from the Committee, no one has offered to help.

Abersoch Life Boat Day – Friday 3rd. June

Thanks to those who came to help, fly and sail. The weather was good, the crowds were there but we could have done with a few more club members to show off their models and to talk to the spectators.

There has been much discussion this summer about the “A” Test

BRITISH MODEL FLYING ASSOCIATION THE R/C ACHIEVEMENT SCHEME

TEST STANDARDS for CHIEF EXAMINERS and CLUB EXAMINERS

GUIDANCE for TEST CANDIDATES THE ‘A’ CERTIFICATE (FIXED WING) 2011 ISSUE

General

The 'A' Certificate is a measure of flying ability and safety which "may be equated to a safe solo standard of flying" and an increasing number of clubs use it as their 'solo' test. As an Examiner, the level of competence you should expect of a candidate should be based on that criterion; that is 'is this person, in your opinion, fit to be allowed to fly unsupervised'.

A candidate wishing to take the ‘B’ must already have passed the ‘A’ in that discipline.

The candidate should have studied the BMFA handbook, any local site rules (if applicable) and be familiar with the 'Safety Code for General Flying' and the 'Operational Guide, All Models and Radio Control'. Besides being an excellent guide to the safe flying of model aircraft, most of the questions asked at the end of the test will be from these sections of the handbook.

The Model

The test can be performed with virtually any powered fixed wing model, i/c or electric. It is not expected that the test will be taken with an electric powered glider, however, as the Silent Flight Electric ‘A’ Certificate would be more appropriate to that type of model.

The minimum weight of a model used to take the test is 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) without fuel but with batteries

Height and Speed

The 'A' certificate candidate should be a reasonably confident pilot, even though they may only have been flying for a few months. Flying too high is not the mark of a confident pilot. The test should be flown at a height of between 100 and 150 feet (that is roughly three to five houses high); any higher could be a sign of lack of confidence. Intelligent use of the throttle is an important factor in confident flying and you should watch out for this. A pilot who flies at take-off power throughout the whole flight should not pass; they are not thinking.

Consistency

The combination of reasonable height and good use of the throttle should mean that the model will be flying at constant height throughout most of the test and you should note if the height flown varies significantly. It is a requirement that "all manoeuvres are carried out in front of the pilot" with the implication that the model will be crossing in front of the pilot just beyond the take-off and landing area on several occasions during the flight. Care should be