COVID-19
Whilst the Covid restrictions have not entirely been lifted yet we are now able to fly again on the Downs - maintaining sensible social-distancing for the moment - and subject to a maximum of 30 people at a time. The "top" car park has now re-opened, but at the moment is still closing at the "winter" closing time of 5pm.
Welcome to the website of Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club.
While people have been flying model aircraft on Epsom Downs for many decades, the club has only been in existence for a few years. You can read the background to the formation of the club here.
Since the start of 2006 the Epsom Downs Conservators have required that anyone flying a model on Epsom Downs must be a member of this club. This requirement embraces all disciplines of radio control and free flight. Our membership application form can be downloaded from the Membership page.
We fly 7 days a week, except for horse race days, from 12 noon until 8pm or sunset - whichever is earlier. Free-flight and non-powered radio-control models may continue flying until sunset when this is later than 8pm. Models over 7kg. and those powered by jet, rocket or gas turbines may not be flown on the Downs. Control line models and catapult-launched models are also not permitted. These restrictions form part of the Byelaws, which along with the Club Rules and Constitution can be found here. Other restrictions also apply - this is just a brief summary of the main ones. See the Byelaws and Club Rules for full details.
The club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA.)
This website will continue to be updated from time to time with news and information for current and prospective members.
2021 AGM
The members of the committee have been concerned about the omicron variant and the effect it will have on the number of members who would feel comfortable attending an AGM in person.
Now that the numbers are rising there is no doubt that the AGM should be transferred to an on-line event via Zoom. To allow time for the altered arrangements to be put in place the date is to be put back to Tuesday 14th December. So:
The 2021 EDMAC AGM will be held via Zoom at 8pm on Tuesday 14th December.
It is important that at least 20% of the total membership attends so that the important decisions can be taken and acted upon.
I do hope this arrangement will allow more of the members who live far from the flying site to take part in this most important time in the club's calendar. Please put aside this time if you possibly can and ensure that you are able to take part in a Zoom meeting.
Regards
John Davis
Chairman
Membership
Renewals for 2021 members
A renewal email was sent to all 2021 members immediately after the AGM, and personalised renewal letters for 2022 were posted around a week later to members who had not renewed in response to the email.
Please ensure that you renew both your EDMAC and BMFA memberships before flying on the Downs in 2022.
The quickest and easiest way to renew is to use your Internet or Telephone Banking service to make your payment direct to our account rather than writing and posting a cheque. Almost 80% of members renewed that way last year. Account details are on the renewal letter and you do not need to return the form.
Cloud Tramp 2021
The Cloud Tramp is a 20” wingspan all balsa rubber powered beginners model designed by Charles Grant in about 1950 and published in a book on how to make Model Aircraft.
On the first Saturday in August at 5pm UK time, aeromodellers all over the world take part in a mass launch of Cloud Tramps.
This year at Epsom Downs only nine flew during a short, dry period on a rather wet day, they were:-
Jean Smith- representing the Downs Conservators
Liz Frost - representing Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
Brian Burke
Martin Emery
Mike Eyre
Tony Tomlin
Peter Rea
Roger Marples
Robin Willes
Liz frost’s plane went furthest .
Better weather has been ordered for next year - we hope to see more Epsom participants.