UPDATE 30/8/11 – check out the pics and video thread!
We’re often surprised by just how many model flyers have never attended the BMFA’s annual National Model Flying Championships at RAF Barkston Heath near Grantham in Lincolnshire over the August bank holiday weekend.
That’s not to say the event isn’t well attended, it is and, come rain or shine, it seems to get bigger every year too. Whether you compete or not, it’s a weekend with something for anyone who loves model flying, one of those events that serves to inspire, re-invigorate or relax. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones and see a whole host of flying disciplines at the highest level.
The site is huge so most visitors use a car to drive from one flight line to the next. In the process you’ll see the national competitions for F3A aerobatics, scale and helicopter along with IMAC, pylon, fun fly, scale free flight and of course, the two-day showline. Throw in all things control line, the massive Sunday swapmeet, the legendary evening free flight session, all-day and evening indoor flying in the hangar and a huge trade village bigger than you’ll find at any UK show and you’ve got the basis for a fine weekend. If you get bored of all that then the silent flight championships (F3K, F5B, F3B, F3J) take place just down the road at RAF Cottesmore.
Sometimes the weather gets in the way and sometimes it doesn’t (these pics are from 2009) but that all somehow just seems to add to the Nats experience and whether you stay in a tent, caravan or sleep off-site, go once and you’ll never stop coming back.
We’ll see you there and make sure you drop by at the RCM&E stand and say hi!
