The AMFC allows its members to operate small multirotor models (drones) within the flying site boundary when no fixed wing flying is taking place.  Please note that fixed wing fliers have priority and drone flights shall cease if a member wishes to fly his fixed wing model.

Major benefits of flying drones are that they are affected far less by wind than fixed wing model aircraft (so members frequently have the flying field to themselves) and they are generally far more robust (so you can carry on flying after a crash).

The photo above shows a selection of drones flown by our members.  The DJI Avata (at the back) carries a class leading camera to take superb photos and video, and the view in the goggles worn by the pilot is fantastic.  The drone on the left is home built from commercial parts while the drone on the right is a Roma L3.  These two drones use analogue video systems so the image quality is poor (in comparison to the Avata) but the drones are much faster and more agile.

Depending on who is at the flying field we may lay out a simple drone course to practice flying around or occasionally a member may bring along a radio controlled vehicle for others to try and chase with their drones.  Although the members fly fixed wing models (that’s why they are club members) drones provide new challenges and chances to use the flying field when it is too windy for their planes.

Owning FPV goggles to fly the drones has also tempted some members to try flying fixed wing models using FPV.  The photo shows a Horizon Hobby UMX Turbo Timber fitted with a simple analogue FPV system, and the lower photo shows the view seen by the pilot in his goggles.  This brings a whole new perspective to flying fixed wing, and the use of Flight Controllers in both the drones and fixed wing planes has introduced club members to the “art” of programming them using Betaflight and iNav.

You can see some more about our drones on the AMFC YouTube channel by clicking here.

Footnote.  The AMFC define a small multirotor as a model without wings, not exceeding 500 grams at take-off, and having propellers not exceeding 5” diameter.  These models are also subject to the normal AMFC noise test requirements.