This application process may be used to seek authorisation to operate model aircraft (excluding multi-rotor aircraft) weighing between 7.5Kg and 25kg at heights above 400ft either as part of regular ongoing activity (such as glider aerotow sites) or for ‘one off’ events including contests.

Authorisations approved for sites with a requirement for regular ongoing operation of models weighing between  7.5Kg and 25kg will be submitted to the CAA for inclusion within the Aeronautical Information Publication.  However, until the site is permanently notified in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), a NOTAM must be in place whenever aircraft exceeding 7.5Kg are being operated above 400ft. Even when notified in the AIP, a NOTAM may still be raised to cover periods of intense activity to increase the visibility of the site to other airspace users. See https://handbook.bmfa.uk/annex-a/submitting-a-notam

Authorisations approved for sites used for occasional/one-off events which include the operation of models weighing between 7.5Kg and 25kg must have a NOTAM in place whenever aircraft exceeding 7.5Kg are being operated above 400ft.

All flying must be conducted within the terms of the BMFA’s Article 16 Authorisation.  Permit requests for sites used to operate aircraft with MTOM’s exceeding 25Kg must be made to the LMA, as a LMA permit will also be required.  Over 25Kg aircraft must have an individual operational authorisation and be operated in compliance with the LMA’s Article 16 Authorisation.

Notes on completing this form: 

1. Please supply a maps showing the general location plus a detailed diagram of the location which includes runway orientation, flying area  and crowd line location (if applicable).
2. Description of activity: provide a brief overview of the activity.
3. Site location- You will need to provide OS Grid reference and latitude and longitude in decimal degrees
4. Risk Assessment: it is a requirement to submit this as part of the application process. See https://rcc.bmfa.uk/article-16-risk
5. Flying Site Rules: please include a copy of the local flying site rules in operation at the site as part of the application process.
6. Organiser’s name and contact details: it is important to provide a mobile number as the point of contact for the AIP.
7. Hours of operation: by default, regular/ongoing activity will be indicated as ‘HJ’ in the AIP which denotes daylight operations.
8. Expected height of operation: the maximum application height is 1500 feet agl, however, think carefully about your proposed activity and request a height that reflects the type of aircraft flown, do not automatically apply for 1500 feet if you do not require it.
9. Number of aircraft: indicate the largest number likely to be flying on any one day.