Horam Model Flying Club (Uckfield and District)
Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to flying after a long break, you will likely appreciate some friendly guidance. Flying radio-controlled aircraft is both fun and challenging. For many, it's a fantastic way to learn new skills, keep the mind active, and meet others who share the same interest.
Within the hobby, people have different preferences. Some simply want to purchase a ready-made plane and fly it, while others enjoy building detailed models from scratch. A quick online search will reveal all sorts of aircraft, from simple foam planes designed for fun flying to highly engineered models built for precise aerobatics.
If you're unsure whether this is the right hobby for you, we’d be happy to welcome you to our flying site, where we can show you what model flying is all about. The club operates a training and assistance scheme, with registered instructors and experienced pilots ready to help you with your equipment choices and training.
It's important to start with the right model aircraft and radio control equipment, so please ask for advice before making any purchases. The club may have a suitable trainer you can use for your first few flights.
Newcomers to the hobby begin by using a buddy-box system, which allows dual controls. This helps build the student’s confidence until they can fly solo. Alongside flight training, students are mentored on safety aspects and practical maintenance skills, which go hand-in-hand with operating an aircraft.
Before flying, you must join the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), which provides the necessary liability insurance required for flying model aircraft.
Additionally, you'll need to pass the Registration Competency Test. This online test is free and requires a small amount of research. You can take the test as many times as needed to pass. The link to the test is here.
The club encourages members to pass at least the BMFA A-Test, which is necessary to fly unsupervised.