Reading and District

Model Aircraft Club

Membership

The Reading & District Model Aircraft Club, has existed in its present form for the past 30 years, although its origins date back to 1931.

The club welcomes new members who wish to take up aero-modelling as a hobby. However it should be remembered that flying radio controlled aircraft can be dangerous and should be carried out with responsibility and safety at all times. Radio control model flying is not a computer game although some of the skills required may be similar.

RADMAC, is run by an committee selected by its membership at an Annual General Meeting held each year in December. At this meeting any major decision such as rule changes are determined and subscription rates for the following year set.

The club membership has been limited to 150. This is divided into categories of 'Seniors', 'Juniors' and 'Pensioners'. The two main activities of the club are flying at our flying site adjacent to the River Thames at Early and meetings which are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 20:00 hrs at St Barnabus Church Hall, Grove Road, Emmer Green or Flying field during the summer.

Insurance by the British Model Flying Association is a condition of membership of RDMAC. The club is affiliated the the BMFA and therefore every club member is automatically enrolled as a member of the BMFA. The cost of this insurance is included in the annual club subscription.

RDMAC operates the BMFA Power Achievement Scheme which encourages and helps new members gain certificates for fixed wing competence. Although most tuition is gained on an informal basis the club has a rota of volunteer instructors who may be available each Saturday / Sunday morning to give more formal training for 'A' and 'B' certificates. Buddy boxes are provided by the club. No formal training for helicopters is currently available.

If you are considering taking up aero-modelling as a hobby come down to one of our club nights or Saturday / Sunday flying sessions where members will be happy to talk to you about what is involved, will be able to recommend equipment, radio and model suitable for a beginner and answer any questions you have - don't go and part with your hard earned cash until you have had some free advice!

2008 Membership details

Memberships fees and conditions for 2008 have increased from 2007 see below. The club portion remains unchanged, but the BMFA have added £1 to their membership fee.

The club is affiliated to the BMFA (British Model Flying Association), the national body controlling model flying in the UK. All members must also be BMFA members.

As agreed at the AGM 4th December 2007, 2008 membership fees are :

Seniors - £73 (£45 club + £28 BMFA)

Juniors - £25 (£10 club + £15 BMFA)

Retired - £44 (£16 club + £28 BMFA)

In addition all new adult members pay a one-off joining fee of £50. There is no joining fee for junior members.

New members are welcome to join the club during the open periods of January, May and August. At any other time you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when the next joining period opens.

Existing members are expected to rejoin between the AGM and 31st December. Failure to do so will result in your membership lapsing. You will then need to wait for the next open period and pay a joining fee again.

Members who have not rejoined by 31st December are not insured to fly until such time as the treasurer receives their subscription.

Anyone who already has BMFA membership through another club or as a country member need pay only the club portion of the membership.

Come and meet us

The club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. From approximately September to April the meetings are held at St. Barnabas Church Hall, Emmer Green, Reading beginning at 8:00 pm. When the evenings are lighter, roughly from the end of April to early September the meetings are held every Wednesday (weather permitting) at the flying field, sometimes with a low-key competition. See the current Events page to check where we will be on any particular evening.

Flying field