Annual Fly In and Power Champs 2021

The Champs/AFI is a 5 day event located at what many consider to be one of the best model flying sites in the world, RAF Honington. The event offers something for everyone regardless of your background, experience levels or disciplines flown.

What makes the Champs/AFI RAFMAA's event of the year?

Disciplines; Whether you fly free-flight, control line or RC, fixed wing, heli’ or quad, IC, electric or jet, Funfly, 3D or scale you will almost certainly find like-minded enthusiasts to fly with and chat to.

Compete; The competition element is very relaxed with emphasis placed on just having fun and improving your flying skills. If you have never considered flying competitively then you could be missing out on a fantastic aspect of our hobby.  N.B. Servicemen must compete in at least one discipline to be awarded Duty status for the event.

Fly For Fun; If competing isn’t your thing then why not head to the “Off-The-Peg” flight line and engage in some relaxed, club-style flying off the tarmac?

Social; The amazing flying opportunities are only bettered by the social aspect of the Champs. Both the beer and banter flow with equal enthusiasm at this event and with a meet and greet BBQ, a fork supper and plenty of opportunity throughout to indulge in a few laughs, nowhere is the trademark RAFMAA banter more evident.

What To Expect

Competitions?

Free-Flight mass launch

Helicopter

Fun Fly

Pylon

Control Line

Bomb Drop

Pattern & Freestyle Aero's

Scale

Electroslot

Indoor

Night flying

Chairman’s Choice

Quad racing

Photo comp’

 

What Else Can You Expect?

“Off-the-peg” club style flying

Have-a-go sessions

Meet and greet BBQ

Bring and Buy swapmeet

Night flying

Fork supper

Guest speaker

Awards ceremony

Annual General Meeting

BMFA Achievement Scheme

Flying Instruction

Guest Speaker; This year we are incredibly lucky to have Sqn Ldr (Retd) Ian Smith as our guest speaker giving us his personal story of flying the "Silver Spitfire" G-RITY around the world.  Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzfIiISl24U

 

Have a Go Sessions; With so many aspects of the hobby represented there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at something new with our “have a go” sessions. If you’ve ever fancied getting yourself behind a pair of FPV goggles or wondered how to fly a control line model then here is your chance.

Improve Your Flying; Our instructors will be on hand to provide flying advice throughout the week. If you feel like challenging yourself then they can also offer you the opportunity to advance with the BMFA Achievement scheme by taking A and B cert’s at the event.

Photo Comp; Don’t forget to enter your pictures for consideration in the RAFMAA annual photo competition HERE. It's very straightforward! Head to the photo comp section on the RAFMAA website and click "Add File". You can upload multiple files at once too. Your photo will appear on the website as soon as it is approved by a moderator. Don’t forget to put your email address and any details about the photo too. A winner will be selected by ballot at the Champs.

Meet and Greet BBQ; Our traditional Summer BBQ will be held at the SSA on Wednesday night at 20:00. Whilst the event is free to RAFMAA members, there is a small charge should you wish to take part in the BBQ. Tickets are £4.50 a head and your ticket price includes food, soft drinks and a free pint of Komet Beer generously provided by Mike Blakesley of Rocket Ales.

Fork Supper; Prior to the awards ceremony on Saturday evening, a sit down dinner will be provided. Attendance at the Fork Supper is expected and dress is smart casual. Guests are welcome to attend at this function. Copious quantities of Lasagne and Curry can be expected followed by dessert. There is no seperate charge as food will paid for by RAFMAA. It is important therefore that we know how many people to cater for (and that you let us know if for any reason you have to cancel).

Chairman’s Choice Competition; To challenge and broaden members.  This year's formal challenge will be E2K (originally planned for 2020) but keep an eye out for some other challenges on the RAFMAA Facebook Closed Group.

Annual General Meeting; The AGM will be held 19:00-20:30 at Busby’s on Friday evening. An agenda will be made available before the meeting.

Timings; A full schedule with timings can be found in the Admin Order which is available within the members area of the RAFMAA website (or on request at secretary@rafmaa.co.uk)

Duty Status; Service members are reminded that this event holds duty status should they compete in at least one discipline.

COVID19; The event will be run mindful of the risk of COVID19 which, although in decline, still poses a threat.  Whilst every measure will be taken to reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practical, members must also take responsibility and should not attend if they are unduly concerned.

This event is for RAFMAA Members and invited guests only. If you wish to join us you MUST RSVP to register your attendance. You will be asked to indicate what kind of flying/competing you wish to take part in before being requested for your personal and vehicle details. These details are required in order for us to organise passes and permits for you. When you arrive at RAF Honington, please present yourself to the Main Guardroom where you will be asked to provide photocard ID in order to claim your passes and be allowed access to unit.

Please be sure to remember you ID to avoid disappointment.

More information about the Champs/AFI and a report from last years event can be found in the “What To Expect” section