If you’ve recently bought an RC aircraft, returned to the hobby after a few years away, or simply want somewhere new to fly, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:
Where can you fly RC aircraft in the North West?
Finding somewhere suitable isn’t always as straightforward as finding a big open field.
Landowner permission, other people using the area, local restrictions, airspace and the type of aircraft you’re flying can all affect whether a location is suitable.
Fortunately, the North West has a well-established model flying community, with clubs and dedicated flying sites spread across Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the surrounding areas.
There are also alternatives to traditional club membership, including organised flying events and dedicated RC Free Fly Sessions.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Makes a Good RC Flying Site?
A suitable flying site needs more than just a large piece of grass.
When considering somewhere to fly, you should think about:
- The amount of available flying space
- People and public access
- Buildings, roads and other obstacles
- Take-off and landing areas
- Wind direction and local conditions
- Permission to use the land
- The type and capability of your aircraft
- Applicable aviation regulations
- The ability to maintain safe separation from people and property
A location that looks perfect on Google Maps might not actually be suitable for model flying.
This is one reason why joining an established club or attending an organised flying session can be such a good option.
Join an RC Model Flying Club
For many pilots, joining a model flying club is the traditional route into the hobby.
Clubs provide an opportunity to fly regularly alongside other enthusiasts and, depending on the club, may provide instruction, examinations, organised events and access to a dedicated flying site.
The British Model Flying Association (BMFA) supports affiliated clubs throughout the UK, including assistance with flying sites, insurance, instructor schemes and pilot achievement programmes.
There are established clubs across the North West, including areas such as:
- Lancashire
- Merseyside
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire
- Cumbria
- North Wales
For example, there are currently model flying clubs around Warrington, Southport, Skelmersdale, Blackburn, Rossendale, Rochdale, Manchester, Cheshire and Lancaster.
If you’re looking for a permanent place to fly and want to become part of a local community, joining a club can be an excellent option.
What If You Don’t Want to Join a Club?
Not everyone wants to commit to annual club membership.
You might:
- Only fly occasionally
- Be returning to the hobby
- Have several different aircraft
- Want to try a new flying site
- Travel around with your models
- Want somewhere to fly for a particular day
- Simply prefer casual flying rather than regular club membership
That’s where organised Free Fly Sessions can provide another option.
Rather than committing to a full year’s membership, you can book a specific flying session and enjoy access to a dedicated site for the day.
RC Free Fly Sessions in the North West
At The Drone Hub, we host monthly RC Model Club Free Fly Sessions for pilots who want somewhere different to fly.
Sessions take place on the third Saturday of every month.
The aim is simple:
Bring your aircraft, turn up, fly and enjoy the day.
The sessions provide a relaxed environment for RC enthusiasts to meet other pilots, fly their models and make use of the facilities at The Drone Hub.
What’s Included?
Your £25 booking includes access to:
- A dedicated flight area
- Secure land
- A professionally managed flying environment
- Workshop facilities
- Battery charging facilities
- Indoor facilities
- Refreshments
- Parking
The workshop is particularly useful if you need to make adjustments or minor repairs during the day.
You can land, head into the workshop, make your changes, charge your batteries and get back onto the flightline.
What Can You Fly?
The Free Fly Sessions are intended for a wide range of RC aircraft and models.
Depending on the aircraft and applicable site requirements, this can include:
- Fixed-wing aircraft
- Scale aircraft
- RC helicopters
- Multirotors
- FPV aircraft
- Electric-powered models
- Other suitable RC aircraft
If you’re unsure whether your aircraft is suitable, get in touch before booking.
What About FPV Flying?
FPV has become a huge part of the RC and drone community.
Flying through FPV goggles provides a completely different experience to traditional line-of-sight model flying.
However, FPV operations require appropriate consideration of the aircraft, operating environment, observers and applicable regulations.
Not every traditional model flying site is necessarily set up around FPV activities.
If FPV is your thing, it’s worth checking with a site before turning up to make sure the facilities and operating arrangements are suitable.
The Drone Hub also offers dedicated FPV Experiences and FPV training, for those who want to take their flying further.
Can You Just Fly in a Field?
This is where you need to be careful.
A field being open, quiet or apparently unused doesn’t automatically mean you have permission to fly there.
Before using land for RC flying, you should consider:
Do you have permission?
If the land isn’t yours, you should establish that you’re allowed to use it.
Are there other people nearby?
You need to consider members of the public, other land users, walkers, cyclists, vehicles and anyone else who could be affected by your operation.
Is the location suitable?
Trees, buildings, roads, power lines and other obstacles can create additional risks.
What aviation rules apply?
Depending on what you’re flying and how you’re operating, UK aviation regulations may apply.
If you’re unsure about the rules surrounding your particular aircraft or operation, get appropriate advice before flying.
The Drone Hub: A Different Way to Fly
The Drone Hub isn’t intended to replace the excellent RC clubs already operating across the North West.
In fact, we’re big supporters of the model flying community.
Our monthly Free Fly Sessions simply provide another option for pilots looking for somewhere to fly.
Whether you’re already a member of an RC club, fly independently or are returning to the hobby, you’re welcome to come along and experience the facilities.
Third Saturday of Every Month
Our RC Model Club Free Fly Sessions run on the third Saturday of every month.
£25 per person
Bring your aircraft, batteries and equipment and enjoy a full day at The Drone Hub, powered by Buzz Drones.
There’s flying space, workshop facilities, battery charging and refreshments available throughout the session.
In partnership with
Gold ERS Holders
