British Drone Racing Association
If you’re passionate about drone racing or curious about joining a vibrant, inclusive, and fast-growing community in the UK, the British Drone Racing Association (BDRA) is a name you need to know. Here’s a comprehensive look at who they are, what they do, how they support clubs, the events they run, and why you should consider becoming a member.
Who Are They?
The BDRA is a not-for-profit organisation run by FPV pilots, for FPV pilots. Their core mission is to promote and protect the sport of FPV multi-rotor racing across the UK. They are recognised as a “Specialist Body” by the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), which means they have a key role in developing and representing drone racing nationally. The BDRA is committed to total inclusion, regardless of age, gender, ability, or financial means, and strives to keep the sport accessible, safe, and fun for everyone.
What Do They Do?
The BDRA’s activities are wide-ranging and community-focused. Their main objectives include:
Promoting FPV multi-rotor racing as a sport.
Preventing elitism and ensuring inclusivity.
Creating and maintaining a unified set of rules, written by pilots for pilots, to keep the sport safe and enjoyable.
Supporting the formation and growth of new clubs by sharing collective expertise.
Giving all pilots a voice in shaping the sport’s future.
Representing the interests of British FPV racers in discussions with regulatory bodies like the BMFA, OFCOM, CAA, and FAI.
How Do They Support Drone Racing Clubs?
BDRA offers support to drone racing clubs across the UK:
They provide information and assistance to pilots looking to join or set up new clubs.
Clubs can join the BDRA’s affiliated club programme, connecting them with a wider community of like-minded pilots.
Affiliated clubs receive support and equipment for organising races and competitions.
The BDRA shares best practices, rules, and collective experience to help clubs thrive.
They also facilitate communication and feedback between clubs and the broader pilot community, ensuring that club needs and ideas are heard and acted upon.
What Events Do They Run?
The BDRA organises and sanctions a variety of events throughout the year, including:
British 5” Championships: The flagship event, where the top 60 UK pilots compete for the national title of fastest British 5” Drone Pilot. The 2022 Championships, for example, were held at BMFA Buckminster and featured live streaming, sponsorship, and a strong community atmosphere.
British 5” Qualifying Events (BQEs): Major events run by experienced clubs where the results feed pilot rankings for the British Championships. They are sometimes held at large county shows like the Weston Park Model Air Show, these events are open to pilots across the country and are a great entry point for newcomers.
TWUK League Events: Whoop clubs up and down the country hold sanctioned whoop races where pilots can score points in the TWUK League. This is the easiest and cheapest FPV drone race to get involved with as the drones are small, lightweight and a lot safer than 5” racing drones.
The BDRA also hosts online meetings, rule consultations, and maintains an active presence on Discord and social media to keep members informed and engaged.
Where Can I Drone Race?
Birmingham Tiny Whoopers of course!
We specialise in micro-drones of the Tiny Whoop persuasion and have regular meetups to fly and race together. Everyone is welcome of all ages and abilities. We even have drones you can give it a go with!
Check our Events page to see when the next ones are coming up
And if you want a longer session or a crash course to take you from zero to FPV hero, then check out
Clubs Across The UK
Check out the BDRA website that lists all the affiliated drone racing clubs across the UK. You are sure to find one nearby on their interactive map. And if there isn’t one near you, then the BDRA can help you start one!
https://bdra.uk/clubs-in-the-uk/
Should I Join the BDRA?
You don’t have to join to get involved with drone racing, but joining the BDRA comes with a host of benefits for drone racing enthusiasts:
Discounted Race Fees: Members get at least £2 off per event at BDRA-sanctioned races, making participation more affordable.
Eligibility for Championships: Only members can qualify for and compete in the prestigious British Championships and TWUK League.
Community and Support: Access to a nationwide network of pilots, clubs, and resources, plus support in finding or starting a club.
Rule Development: Members can contribute to the ongoing development of the sport’s rules and standards.
Exclusive Communication Channels: Members gain access to the BDRA’s Discord server and other platforms for updates, event info, and community discussions.
Affordable Membership: Adult membership is just £10 per year, and juniors pay only £1, making it accessible to all ages.
Whether you’re a seasoned FPV racer or just getting started, the BDRA is a gateway to the UK drone racing scene. With a strong focus on inclusion, safety, and community, they make it easy to find races, connect with other pilots, and help shape the future of the sport.
For more information or to sign up, visit their website at www.bdra.uk.
