F.A.Q.s

Q: My club doesn’t have any examiners, how can I arrange a test ?

A: You could contact other clubs nearby if they have examiners, or alternatively you could contact the Achievement Scheme Co-ordinator for your Area, who will happily put you in contact with an appropriate examiner(s). The contact details for Area Co-ordinators are given in the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website.

Q; I’d like to become a Club Examiner, how can I arrange for a test ?

A: Your club has to make the application for you to be tested. They do this by writing to your Area Co-ordinator requesting that you be tested for the role of Club Examiner. The co-ordinator will then appoint one of the Area Chief Examiners to conduct the test. Full details of the test and process are given in the Achievement Scheme Handbook.

Q: Can I take an Achievement Scheme test at a flying school ?

A: Yes, you can take any of the Achievement Scheme tests at a model flying school. The only stipulation is that the examiner(s) cannot be employees of the school.

Q: I am not a member of the BMFA. Can I still take an achievement scheme test?

A: Yes. However where a non-member wishes to participate in the achievement scheme the examiner who will be conducting the test must inform the BMFA office via email or telephone no later than the day prior to the test being carried out of the non-member’s full name, address and the date that the test will be conducted. This enables the BMFA to extend insurance at suitable levels for the day of the test. If this procedure is not followed the test will be invalid.

Q: I haven’t got an ‘A’ certificate or a BPC, does this mean my insurance is invalid ?

A; No, your BMFA insurance is valid irrespective of whether you hold an Achievement Scheme certificate or not.

Q: I’ve got an ‘A’ certificate which I took at my old club. I’ve now moved and joined another club, but they won’t let me fly unsupervised. Can they do this ?

A: Yes, clubs are perfectly entitled to exercise whatever control over their members they think is appropriate, but this is nothing to do with the BMFA or the Achievement Scheme.

Q: Does the CAA recognise BMFA Achievement Scheme awards ?

A: You really need to put this question to the CAA ! – The reason we say this, is because CAA acceptance of certificates in lieu of NQE training is under review. Whilst recognition of the quality of the scheme by the CAA is a compliment, the position of the achievement scheme review committee (ASRC) is that the tests may be suitable for the flying part of the NQE training. However, we do not believe they are appropriate to replace the entire NQE training, but any decision on this is very much up to the CAA.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for an Achievement Scheme test ?

A: Read the guidance documents for the specific test, do the quiz and practice the manoeuvres. Talk to an examiner, have him watch you fly, and ask for feedback and comments on your performance.

Q: Do I have to take an Achievement Scheme test ?

A: No, the Achievement Scheme is entirely voluntary. It is not compulsory. However, approximately 48% of RC clubs that completed a recent on-line survey, indicated that they use Achievement Scheme tests as some measure of competence.

Q: I’ve lost my copy of my Certificate(s) and need a replacement(s), what can I do ?

A: All your achievement scheme certificates are available to download from your member profile on the BMFA membership portal at https://bmfa.azolve.com. However, if there are no achievements listed for you (which is possible for very old records) then a copy of your original test form (the slip of paper you were given by the examiner when you passed the test) is also acceptable evidence. If this also isn’t available, then your only option is to apply to be re-tested by an Examiner.

Q: I haven't been a member for a number of years, when I was last a member I had an A and B certificate. Will these still show on my membership card when I rejoin?

A: When you renew you should be given your original membership number and record. If your record has your achievements listed, they will show on your new membership card. However, if there are no achievements listed for you (which is possible for very old records) then a copy of your original certificate, membership card or a copy of your original test form (the slip of paper you were given by the examiner when you passed the test)  is also acceptable evidence. If this also isn’t available, then your only option is to apply to be re-tested by an Examiner.

Q: I did not rejoin last year however I will be rejoining this year, I was an examiner at my club. Will I still be an examiner when I rejoin?

A: No. One of the conditions is that examiners retain their BMFA membership. If membership is allowed to lapse, then Examiner status will be lost. This will be followed through near the end of the lapsed membership year when status on the membership database will be changed and the individual will be credited as ‘B’ certificate only. Regaining Examiner status on re-joining is not automatic and will be subject to completing a satisfactory test conducted by an Area Chief Examiner. The other condition is that an examiner must be ratified by at least one club each year. If notification of ratification is not received by the 31st March, status on the database will be changed to show a ‘B’ certificate.

BMFA Achievements

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