Understand the A and B Certificates with Al Spicer (Part 1)

Alan Spicer is a BMFA Instructor / Examiner and Chesham Model Flying Club Chief Flying Instructor. I asked him to provide our community with some information regarding the Model Flying A and B certificates in the particular area of Fixed Wing. I hope this will be usefull for both the newcomer to see where they are heading and also the more skilled pilot to help them through there certificates.

Alan Spicer

The first thing I look for in a candidate before we even start flying is the confidence within the person himself, aeromodelling knowledge and the appearance and preparation of his / her model and flight box. I know you should not judge a person or model by appearance only, but in saying that, if his / her model and flight box are prepared to a high standard then it's a pretty good indication that they are really keen and particular in the way they fly……………SMOOTHLEY.

Smooth and accurate flying is the answer to passing both the A and B certificates.
When I am taking a candidate for an A or B test while he / she is filling out the required form I will hand them two laminated papers to read ( see below ) one is a Guidance hints and tips on taking the A or B tests and the other is the actual schedule that they will be flying, I find this 'settles' them down a bit before we start the exam.

I then get them to tell me a bit about the model and if they have built or bought it ready made or second hand, and then we go into the pre-flight checks, at the end of the day in my mind the whole object of this exercise is as follows:-

1/ First and foremost is SAFETY SAFETY and SAFETY….. is this person fit to either fly unsupervised ('A' Cert.)or to fly and appear in a large display at a public function ('B' Cert.)

2/ We are not here to shout or jump down your throat, we are here to HELP you and make you feel at ease while you are taking your exam.

3/ You are here to obviously demonstrate your flying abilities to an Examiner, or two in the case of the 'B' Cert. and at the same ENJOY YOURSELF as you will probably only be doing this once in your lifetime I feel it is a day to remember as you will have achieved something within this great hobby of ours.

After the pre-flight checks then comes the schedule of flying, post flight checks, and then questions from the BMFA manual. You need to be answering correctly a minimum of five questions for the 'A' Certificate and a minimum of eight questions for the 'B' Cert. .
So do not attempt to apply for an 'A' or 'B' Cert if you have not read your BMFA Manual………..

Remember as I have said before we are here to help you, in this ever increasing and interesting hobby / sport of aero modelling.
If you need any more information I would be only too pleased to help.

Happy Landings……Alan J Spicer
BMFA Instructor / Examiner
and Chesham Model Flying Club Chief Flying Instructor.

If you have not done it already i would suggest joining the BMFA, they will provide you with insurance and a very useful handbook which contains valuable information as well as provinding you with the knowledge to pass the exams, as questions are asked from the fixed wing section of the handbook. You can contact the BMFA on 0116 2440028 or write to them at, Chacksfield House, 31 St.Andrews Road, Leicester, LE2 8RE or Email: admin@bmfa.org or visit there web site - check the Bumpy Green Links Page.

Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome has set up a forum for all question and comments regarding the A and B certificates. We will also be having a hall of fame where you can let us know about you passing one of the exams and we will add you to the hall of fame.

Next Week Part 2....
The A Certificate, whats involed and some guidence in taking it.