F/W Examiners Workshops 2008

The Western Area are committed to the Examiners Workshop initiative which was started by Peter Spurway (Power Achievement Scheme Coordinator) and we are planning to hold another two workshops in 2008.

There will be two meetings again in 2008, the first hosted by the Bristol Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Club at their Thornbury site on SUNDAY 18 MAY 2008 and the second will hosted by the Frome Model Flying Club at their Norton St. Phillip flying site on SUNDAY 31 AUGUST 2008 for SF (Electric) models.

Pete Spurway, John Harris and Will Sturgess during the Pilot's briefing.

The events are open to all interested parties but priority will be given to Examiners and 'A' and 'B' test candidates if numbers get near to critical mass. The format for the event will be as previously, candidates will fly 'mock' tests under the watchful gaze of the examiners followed by an informal appraisal of the test. We would like to encourage more Examiners and Chief Examiners to attend as everyone who has been to a meeting have found the day informative and everyone has gone away having gained something from the day. Peter Spurway has been a keen supporter of Western Area events in the past and we hope that he will continue to do so in 2008. If you would like to attend either of the meetings you can email the Area Secretary or John Harris Alternatively you can give me a ring on 01373 301291

Area Public Relations Officer

The Area would like to welcome Keith Burt as the newly appointed Area Public relations Officer.

Keith is a member of the Bristol Radio Control MFC and you can contact him through the web site - Area PRO. We hope that you will give Keith your full support to help make his appointment a success.

BMFA Fixed Wing 'C' Test Training Day 2008

Following the success of the Western Areas second 'C Test Training Day', hosted by the Beaufort MFC at their Winterbourne flying site, we will be holding at least one further event in 2008.

The meeting is designed to show Examiners, Chief Examiners and prospective 'C Test' candidates what is required of both candidates and Examiners during the test. The day includes a demonstration of the required manoeuvres by an experienced pilot followed by an open forum where all can discuss any aspect of the test.

The emphasis is on practice and instruction with an opportunity for any candidate wishing to take a test to do so later in the day.

Again, if any club wishes to host an event in 2008 they should contact the Area Secretary in the first instance - Area Secretary

New Area Education Coordinator

As many of you are aware, John Emms of Puffin Model fame stood down in November 2006 as the Area Education Coordinator. John had served the Area well in his time in the post but felt that with work commitments he was unable to continue to commit as much time as was needed to carry out his duties. The Area Committee would like to thank John for his dedicated work during his time in the post and we would like to wish him every success with Puffin Models.

After a short time without an Education Coordinator we were pleased to co-opt John Stennard onto the committee at the last Area Committee meeting on 4 June 2007. John is a member of the Beaufort MFC and you can contact him through the web site - Education Coordinator. We hope that you will give John your full support to help make his appointment a success.