Birmingham Tiny Whoopers: Now an Official BMFA Affiliated Club

We are thrilled to announce that Birmingham Tiny Whoopers has officially become an affiliated club of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA). This is a major milestone for our club, bringing a host of benefits that will directly support and protect our members as we continue to grow and strengthen our drone flying community.

What Does It Mean To Be "BMFA Affiliated"

The BMFA is the UK’s only national governing body for model aircraft and drone flying, recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Royal Aero Club, and international aviation authorities. By joining the BMFA, Birmingham Tiny Whoopers is now part of a nationwide network of over 750 clubs and 36,000 members, all working to promote, protect, and advance the sport of drone and model flying.

Key Benefits for Our Members

1. Comprehensive Insurance Cover BMFA affiliation provides our club with £25 million Third Party Civil Liability insurance, covering all lawful club activities including events, open days, and public shows. This ensures that if anything goes wrong during a club activity, our members, committee members, and property owners are protected.

   
   

2. First-Time Flyer Cover Anyone interested in drone flying can now join us for an introductory session with peace of mind. Under our supervision, the BMFA extends insurance cover to new flyers, ensuring a safe and fully insured environment for beginners.

   
   

3. Flying Site Protection With growing pressures on flying sites, BMFA’s Club Support and Development Officers help clubs protect existing locations and secure new ones. They offer expert assistance with planning applications, liaise with local authorities and landlords, and help safeguard our ability to fly despite regulatory challenges.

   
   

4. Instructor and Achievement Schemes BMFA’s structured programmes help raise safety standards and support progression for pilots at all skill levels. Whether you are new to tiny whoops or mastering high-performance FPV, these schemes provide recognised pathways for training, mentorship, and skill development, enabling safer and more rewarding flying.

   
   

5. Noise Assessments and Community Relations BMFA offers noise assessment services to help clubs minimise their impact on surrounding communities. As we expand and continue using sites across Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and the Midlands, this expert guidance will help us maintain long-term access to suitable flying spaces.

   
   

6. Advice and Support BMFA’s experienced staff are available to advise on all aspects of model flying and club organisation. Whether dealing with site issues, noise concerns, technical questions, or event planning, we now have a strong governing body supporting us. This helps our members and especially our volunteers.

   
   

7. National Representation The BMFA advocates for model flyers at the highest levels, engaging with government departments, the CAA, and international bodies. Their work ensures that our rights as pilots are protected and that our sport continues to thrive.

Why This Matters to You

BMFA affiliation means Birmingham Tiny Whoopers is now part of a respected, well-supported national community. These benefits are not just about insurance or rules — they help create a safer, more enjoyable, and more sustainable environment for our members. Whether you are an experienced pilot or just beginning, affiliation ensures your hobby is supported and future-proofed.

Why This Is Great for Our Members

• Confidence and legitimacy: Affiliation gives our club credibility when working with landowners, venues, and local authorities.

• Better resources: Training opportunities, equipment, and site access improve with BMFA backing.

• Protected flying environment: Insurance and site support make us more resilient against complaints or restrictions.

• Safer, structured growth: BMFA guidance helps all members fly more safely and confidently.

• Community and recognition: We join over 750 clubs and 36,000+ members in the world’s longest-established model flying organisation, with over 100 years of heritage. This opens the door to meet-ups, knowledge sharing and multi-club events.

This is a Great Time to Sign Up

With our newly awarded BMFA affiliation, members joining now benefit from the strongest level of support and protection our club has ever offered. The club is expanding its activities, training opportunities, and events, making it an ideal moment to get involved. New and returning pilots alike will be joining a community that is safer, better supported, and more active than ever before.

What’s Next for Birmingham Tiny Whoopers

• We will be updating our website, newsletter and social media to reflect our BMFA-affiliated status.

• We will begin hosting training sessions for newer pilots as part of the achievement schemes.

• We will explore hosting a club open-day or fly-in event, making use of BMFA insurance and event support.

• We will continue working on site access, negotiations, and flying opportunities with BMFA guidance.

A huge thank you to everyone involved — committee members, volunteers, and all our pilots. This is an exciting step for our community of flyers, builders and innovators. Let’s make the most of our new affiliated status and continue to grow, fly and enjoy the skies together.

Here's to many more whoops for the future!