The Hanworth Airpark Model Flying Club, (http://www.hamfc.co.uk ) has been affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) since 1970 and model flying occurred on the site for many years before that. Indeed, it was a full size aerodrome since the early part of WWI, where repairs were made on SE5a aircraft and the like. Between the wars it was a civil airport with a flying club attached. It was again pressed into service during WWII for the maintenance and repair of Spitfires and Hurricanes. It returned to civil use after the war until Heathrow was built when it was closed, along with Heston airport.

Hanworth Airpark is a public field; it would be foolhardy to fly models without third-party insurance. We obtain third party insurance through the BMFA for you, and having it is a requirement of club membership, however there is no problem if you want to insure with them directly ( www.bmfa.org ) proof of membership is required by HAMFC.

The flying times for IC (i.e. glow, petrol or diesel powered) aircraft are limited by the bylaws as follows:-

10:00 hrs to 13:00 hrs daily. 16:00 hrs to 18:30 hrs on Tuesdays and Thursdays only from April 1st - September 30th. Weekend flying is extended to 13:30 hrs from October 1st - April 30th. There are no time restrictions for electric/silent flight but no flying is normally allowed when there is a published event at the field, such as a fun-fair, rugby match or car-boot sale, though they do not occur that often. Club flying times are printed on the reverse of your membership card as a memory aid. All flying must take place in the designated area.

IC free-flight is not permitted at any time due to the proximity of the public.

Most flying is fixed wing, i.e. glow, diesel and electric powered models as well as gliders are welcome.

Within the confines of Hanworth Park, club members are not allowed to fly gas turbine powered planes and we do not encourage the flying of helicopters and multirotors. We have meetings on the first Wednesday of every month from 19:30 hrs. at the Royal Naval Association premises in Park Road, Feltham, TW13 6PP and club membership includes associate membership of the RNA. Activities include speakers on various aviation subjects, both full-size and models, plus building tips and covering hints. You are also entitled to participate in the RNA programme of activities.

Our 2016 fees are £69.00 for adults, (£66 for over 65’s) which includes RNA club affiliate membership; BMFA membership with insurance and HAMFC contribution and in addition a one-off joining fee for new members of £10.00 (also paid by lapsed members after January 31st.) If BMFA insurance is paid elsewhere (proof needed) the annual fee is reduced (please see in red on the Application form)

For applicants under 18yrs. the fees are £30.00, (£12.00) which includes HAMFC and BMFA membership and insurance and for new or lapsed junior members an additional one-off joining fee of £5.00.

For the over 65s, the total fee is £66.00 (£33.00) plus joining fee.

(Family Membership, e.g. 1 Senior + 1 Junior is available upon request)

After the 1st. July the fees are reduced.

Our club rules state that all potential members meet at least some of the Committee members before joining and the best way to do this is to attend one of our monthly meetings. (See above.) You’re still welcome to visit us at the field and the best time would be at the weekend, from 10:00 hrs when you will most likely catch at least one Committee Member. Bring your ‘plane, finished or not, and ask if anyone would be willing to check it over for you, or bring it to a Club Night (1st Wed. of the month).

At the field please ask for a club or Committee Member to explain how we do things there.

It is safer to talk to the pilots when they’re not involved in actually flying models or in the process of starting their engines. Other than that most members are happy to talk about all aspects of the hobby.

Our prime objective is to promote safe flying and all the other skills involved, whether it be airborne or on the ground. If we can instil that into model flyers then we have a better chance of keeping our flying site open and at the same time, enjoy our hobby.

Best wishes

Doug West

Membership Secretary