There are many “fun fly” helicopter events. It can be daunting to take part in one of these for the first time and the Charmouth AHA Fly In is about the biggest you can get. Meaning: if you can understand how this one works, you’ll pretty much understand the rules anywhere!
First off, AHA rules state you must be a fully paid up BMFA member and hold insurance if you want to fly on site. This applies even if you don’t want to take part in the actual events.
From the AHA website:
“You must produce proof of BMFA membership (or equivalent) or you will not be allowed to fly. If you do not have your ‘A’ certificate, then you MUST be accompanied by a ‘B’ certificated pilot whenever you fly.”
As the field is the assigned “off-the-peg” (recreational) area for the weekend, it means people are free at any time events are not taking place. With this many RC helicopters in one place, some of which are considerably larger than the standard electric, rules like this are essential. If you need more encouragement there are other “fun” activities like organised night flying. This is a bonus in itself as it’s restricted to electric helicopters only!
Unless you are a spectator (allowed in free), you will need to present your BMFA card, transmitter and fee at Tx control for registration and to receive your ID card. Owners of RC Helicopters running on 35mHz controllers will hand their RC over in exchange for a frequency peg. This peg is then used in conjunction with the peg boards to make sure that no two helicopters are ever flying on the same frequency. 2.5GHz RC helicopters don’t have this problem, so these owners have their own set of rules. For more on this, see the article on “radio frequencies and group flying.”
If it sounds complicated – it is! But there’s always someone to guide you through the ropes.
Talking of which, double ropes mark the flight line, and there are very specific rules about who is allowed to stand there. Only 10 radio control helicopters are allowed in the air at any one time.
The popularity of Charmouth means increasingly larger numbers of fliers and spectators each year. To make things easier all round, the AHA has adopted an IRCHA-style line, with ten individual flight stations. You are unlikely to see this anywhere but Charmouth, however.
Once you are in the air, it’s up to you to impress the judges with your aerobatic skills. There are various classes, including those specific to electric helicopters. Each has their own stations, so nobody strays into the wrong class. Electric RC helicopters are allowed a maximum of 15 minutes in the air per event, which normally means a quick battery change mid-way. Carrying a fully charged spare is de rigueur for any flying event.
If all these 3D aerobatics sound a bit too high-powered for you, it is worth remembering that Charmouth has a dedicated area for novices, first-timers, or just anyone who prefers a more sedate pace of life. Here, you are safe from the low flying exhaust belchers and can practice your hobby at ease.