AMA vs BMFA

[ctdahle]

I have noticed that a number of the posters on this board hail from the UK, but that there is not a BMFA message board comparable to the AMA board.

Having corresponded with a number of modellers from the UK, and having also downloaded and read the BMFA handbook, I am aware that the BMFA rules are at least comparable to and in some cases more restrictive than the AMA rules and that membership is comparably priced (BMFA being slightly lower, but also partly subsidized by the British taxpayers).

Yet I never notice any British posters complaining about how unreasonable the club rules are, or how the safety code is oppressive. Nor do I read British posters who proclaim a right to fly their models wherever they darn well please.

Is it simply that I have not noticed comparable complaints?
Are citizens of the UK simply more accepting of the need to abide by rules and therefore they do not voice complaint in the vociferous manner of Americans?

Or is the BMFA simply so well run that no one complains about it, and if so, are there things that Americans can learn from their UK bretheren?

[50+AirYears]

Maybe since we have more open land in some parts of the country, too many American flyers think there isn't any need for so many rules. I recall reading a rumor that a few years ago the British government might have stopped all model flying there. That might make the British flyers a little more appreciative of what they have.
Since the BFMA is run by human beings, I doubt that is run any better. Of course, maybe the British take out their frustrations watching Soccer. They seem to take it a bit personal.

[wildpalms]

I'm a member of the BMFA and they don't seem to provoke the same reaction as your AMA.

They seem a little less political and personality driven. They just act in the background for our benefit, quite how much support they would provide when asked I'm not so sure.

The safety rules are all sensible to my mind, nothing to complain about. The main thing I think us brits join for is the insurance cover provided though. We just pay up and get on with it.

--
Dave

[Hal Ray]

Dave
The AMA works hard to guard our frequencies, is this what the BMFA does in the UK?

HRH