Mill Hill (Shoreham) BMFA Statement

Hi all

Here is the statement the BMFA have issued with regard to flying models off Mill Hill (West Sussex).

Further to the recent incident involving a model aircraft and a full size light aircraft which occurred at Mill Hill near Shoreham Airport.
The pilot of the model aircraft has submitted a detailed report on the incident to the BMFA  head office, this has been passed onto the AAIB for investigation.
At this time all indications are that the model flying was taking place in accordance with the local agreements and in a completely lawful manner.
The location is a long established model flying site and model flying takes place with the full knowledge and agreement of Shoreham Airport.
Following consultation and agreement with both the CAA and Sussex Police, we have advised BMFA members that model flying should continue on the site at this time.

Its good to get the 'all clear' from the BMFA, CAA and the Sussex Police and relieved for the pilot of the model and for us all who have flown at Mill Hill but one major point that this incident has highlighted is that we still haven't got a definitive answer to exactly how high you are allowed to fly up at Mill Hill above the slope. The statement above sais that ''you should fly in accordance with local agreements'' Well what are the ''local agreements''? Where does it state anywhere what these are - Anyone got any firm facts i.e. a piece of paper with this information written down.

I have been told its 50' above the hill top. Others say its 400' above the hill top and some say its 400' AGL. So lets get some facts so we all know what height we can safely (and more importantly) legally fly up to, please!!

I am aware we fly visually and its difficult to guess what 50' up in the sky actually looks like but we should have a fair idea. I can certainly tell if my model is at 50' and not 400' above the slope or much higher as I've regularly seen models up there. The Council should clearly display the so called ''local agreement'' for everyone to read, so we can fly within the rules and not guess or be misguided by rumour that has been passed from one person to another while chatting behind the bushes out of the wind.

How can you stick to the rules when no one knows what the rules are?

I welcome your feedback.................