The ‘A’ and ‘B’ Test
By Phil Parmiter
Hopefully, this small guide should clear up some of the questions and worries about your ‘A’ or ‘B’ test.
Why do we have a BMFA testing system in our club?
We use this system because it gives you an understanding of safety procedures, and without this, our hobby becomes a danger not to only you but other people. The BMFA is a national recognised organisation which without a ‘B’ cert you will not be allowed to participate in flying at shows. Though the ‘B’ cert is not a show certificate, it lets other people know that you fly to a high standard of safety, which is paramount in our sport. It also gives you a structure to learn by, thus showing you your progress (all instructors and examiners work from the same instructions throughout the country), so learning is kept uniform.
Where can I obtain the safety instructions?
The safety booklet UP and AWAY is given to you from the BMFA as part of your joining fee. Please insure that you have an UP and AWAY booklet from the BMFA as this gives you all the relevant knowledge you will need in courses held at the Chesil Model Flying Club. Your club instructor will be able to point you in the right direction if you do not have a copy.
How do you find a club instructor?
The club appoints instructors and examiners who are then asked to pass a stringent test to show their understanding of not only flying but all the safety aspects. Please see the contact page to find our instructors.
Can I fly at shows?
You’ll need at least a ‘B’ certificate to be able to fly at shows. New rules state that a show licence is going to be put into effect, this will enable show organisers to assess the pilots show background and experience.
What do the tests involve?
The ‘A’ test
(A) Carry out pre-flight checks .
(B) Take off and complete a left hand circuit and over fly the take off area .
(C) Fly a ‘figure of eight’ with the cross over point in front of the pilot, height to be constant.
(D) Fly a rectangular circuit and approach with appropriate use of throttle and perform a landing on the designated landing area.
(E) Take off and complete a left hand (or right) hand circuit and over fly the take off area.
(F) Fly a rectangular circuit at a constant height in the opposite direction to the landing circuit flown in (D).
(G) Perform a simulated dead stick landing with the engine at idle, beginning at a safe height (approx. 200ft) heading into wind over the take-off area, the landing to be made in a safe manner on the designated landing area.
(H) Remove model and equipment from take-off/landing area.
(I) Complete post-flight checks required by the BMFA safety codes.
(J) Answer correctly 5 questions, based on the BMFA safety codes for general flying and local club rules.
The ‘B’ Test
(A) Carry out pre-flight checks required by the B.M.F.A safety codes.
(B) Take off and complete a left or right hand circuit and fly over take off area.
(C) Fly a figure of eight with the cross over point in front of the pilot, height to be constant. The examiners will expect this manoeuvre to be flown more accurately then similar manoeuvre in the ‘A’ certificate test.
(D) Fly into wind and complete one inside loop.
(E) Fly downwind and complete one loop downwards from the top i.e a bunt.
(F) Complete two consecutive rolls into wind.
(G) Complete two consecutive rolls downwind in opposite direction of that used in (F).
(H) Complete a stall turn either left or right.
(I) Gain height and perform a 3-turn spin. For a model, which will not spin, a spin attempt resulting in a spiral dive will be excepted. The model must enter at the stall not a flick spin.
(J) Fly a rectangular landing approach and over shoot from below 10 foot. Note this manoeuvre is a baulked landing not a low pass.
(K) Fly a rectangular circuit in opposite direction to that in (J) at a constant height of no more then 400 feet.
(L) Fly a rectangular landing approach and land within a 30-metre boundary.
(M) Remove model and equipment from take-off/landing area
(N) Complete the post flight checks as required by the BMFA safety codes.
(O) Answer correctly 8 questions, based on the BMFA safety codes for general flying, model flying displays and local club