Joining an RC club

The fastest way to learn to fly, by a long way, is with a club. An instructor with a buddy-box (trainer lead) can take control the moment things go wrong, which means you learn in weeks what might take months alone, and your model survives.

What a club gives you

• A safe flying site with space, a runway and permission.
• Instructors and a training scheme.
• Insurance through the national association.
• Help with setup, repairs and buying advice.
• Article 16 rules at the club site, which can be more flexible than the standard Drone Code. See UK rules for RC models.
• Company. Most clubs are friendly and welcoming.

Flying clubs and the BMFA

The British Model Flying Association is the main national body for model flying, founded in 1922, with over 750 affiliated clubs and more than 1,000 flying sites (BMFA).

2026 membership (BMFA join page):

Membership includes £25 million third-party liability insurance (BMFA handbook). Your club will have its own annual fee on top.

The achievement scheme

The BMFA runs a voluntary achievement scheme with A (basic safety and competence) and B (advanced) certificates for fixed wing, helicopter and multirotor (BMFA achievements). Many clubs ask solo pilots to hold an A certificate. It's a good structure for learning.

Finding a club and trying it

The BMFA's free trial flight finder at try-flying.bmfa.uk is the easiest place to start. Most clubs are happy for you to visit and watch on a flying day.

Car clubs and the BRCA

The British Radio Car Association is the governing body for RC car racing in the UK, founded in 1971 (Wikipedia). It runs national rules and championships across sections from 1/12 oval to 1/8 circuit.

2026 membership (BRCA): £30 adult (16+), £15 junior, £20 non-driving, including third-party insurance.

Not everyone wants to race: there are also informal bashing, trail and crawler groups. Ask at a local model shop.

Indoor clubs

Many flying clubs hire sports halls in winter for micro helicopters and planes, which is ideal for beginners. Ask your local club.

Before your first visit

• Practise on a simulator: see RC flight simulators.
• Don't buy a model until you've talked to the club; they'll tell you what suits their site.
• Get your Flyer ID if you'll fly anything of 100g or more.

If there's no club near you, where to fly an RC plane in the UK covers the alternatives. Still deciding what to fly or drive? See choosing your first RC model. Back to Getting started.