You might have seen model aircraft flying overhead and wondered what it would actually be like to take the controls yourself.
Just outside Market Drayton, a local club is encouraging more people to discover the hobby – and you don’t even need to own an aircraft to try it.
Despite its name, Newport and District Model Flying Club flies from the former RAF Peplow airfield at Child Ercall, near Tern Hill, and more than half of its members are from the Market Drayton area.
The club would particularly like to introduce a new generation to building and flying radio-controlled aircraft, although beginners of any age are welcome.
Try flying before spending money on the hobby
One of the best ways to find out whether model flying is for you is simply to have a go.
The club offers free taster flights by arrangement, using dual controls. This means a newcomer can take control of a model aircraft while an experienced pilot remains able to take over when necessary.
There’s no need to buy a model, transmitter or other equipment first.
It’s an opportunity to experience flying for yourself and find out more about the hobby before deciding whether you want to take it any further.
And age needn’t be a barrier. The club has previously helped people learn to fly well into their eighties.
It’s about building as well as flying
For many members, the enjoyment starts long before an aircraft reaches the runway.
The club flies an enormous variety of radio-controlled aircraft, from relatively straightforward foam and ready-to-fly models to aircraft painstakingly built from kits or from scratch.
Although predominantly a fixed-wing club, some members also fly helicopters and drones.
That combination of practical skills, technology and flying is one of the things that can make the hobby particularly interesting for younger people – but the club is keen to hear from anyone who would like to give it a try.
Flying from a former RAF airfield
The setting has a fascinating history of its own.
The club is based on part of the former RAF Peplow, also known as Child Ercall Airfield. Much of the former wartime airfield has returned to agricultural use, but sections of its perimeter tracks remain.
One of those tarmac tracks now provides the club’s runway.
There’s also a grass landing area for suitable aircraft, a large pits area, nearby parking and a club cabin with electricity and charging facilities.
So although you’re flying a model aircraft, you’re doing it from part of a real former RAF airfield.
Help is available when you’re learning
Nobody is expected to turn up and immediately know what they’re doing.
The club has trainers who can take complete beginners through the basics and help them work towards the British Model Flying Association’s ‘A’ Achievement Award.
It can also help existing flyers who haven’t flown for a while and would appreciate some support getting their confidence back.
Newport and District Model Flying Club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), and flying members are required to have BMFA membership.
A local club looking for its next generation
The club describes itself as a friendly group made up of people from different backgrounds, ages and levels of flying experience.
Like many long-established clubs, however, its membership has become predominantly older.
That’s one reason members are keen to show younger people that model flying is still very much alive – and has evolved considerably from the hobby people might remember from years ago.
Modern electric aircraft, radio equipment and battery technology sit alongside traditionally built models and internal-combustion aircraft.
The club also occasionally takes its aircraft out into the community for static displays at charity events.
Fancy having a go?
The easiest way to find out if model flying appeals to you is probably not to read about it – it’s to try flying one.
Free taster flights can be arranged with Newport and District Model Flying Club, with experienced members there to help.
The club flies at:
Newport and District Model Flying Club
Former RAF Peplow / Child Ercall Airfield
off Eaton Road
Eaton upon Tern
Adult club membership is currently £40 a year, with membership for under-18s at £10 and a £5 joining fee. Fees reduce by half from 1 September, although the joining fee remains £5. Flying members also need BMFA membership.
For more information or to arrange a taster flight, email newportdmfc@gmail.com.
You can also find Newport and District Model Flying Club on Facebook or visit its website at ndmfc3.wixsite.com/newportanddistrict.
It might be called Newport and District Model Flying Club, but with its flying field close to Market Drayton and more than half its members coming from the Market Drayton area, this is one local club that’s well worth knowing about.
