Official RC Associations

UK RC associations: who’s who

Each part of the radio control hobby in the UK has its own association. These official RC associations set the rules for safe flying, driving and sailing, run competitions, and many include insurance with membership. Use the links further down this page to visit each one.

Which association is right for you?

• RC planes, gliders and drones flown for fun: the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) is the UK’s national governing body for model flying. Membership includes up to £25 million liability insurance. See our BMFA membership page for what you get.
• Large-scale model aircraft: the Large Model Association (LMA).
• Aerobatics: the Great Britain R/C Aerobatic Association (GBRCAA), which runs aerobatic competitions.
• Model jets: the Jet Modellers Association (JMA).
• RC helicopters: the Association of Helicopter Aerosports (AHA) supports and promotes radio control helicopter flying in all its forms, from relaxed fun-fly events to national and international competitions. Members get its newsletters and a welcome pack. Browse our RC helicopters.
• RC car racing: the British Radio Car Association (BRCA) is the UK governing body for RC car racing, for everyone from park bashers to club and national racers. It runs national and regional championships across many classes, including 1/10 electric and nitro circuit, 1/10 off-road buggies and trucks, 1/8 off-road and stock cars, 1/12 oval and circuit, and large scale. Membership is £30 a year for adults and £15 for juniors, and the BRCA website can help you find a local club. Getting into racing? Browse our off-road and on-road RC cars.
• Hobby drone flying: British Drone Flyers is the UK’s longest-established drone association, run with the BMFA. It’s for recreational drone flyers and includes £25 million liability insurance for non-commercial flying, help with CAA operator registration, the BMFA achievement scheme and competitions. Browse our drones.
• Commercial drone work: ARPAS-UK is the trade association for the UK drone industry.
• Model power boats: the Model Power Boat Association (MPBA), for model boat racing and events.

Flying a drone or model aircraft? Check the CAA rules

Under UK CAA rules, you need a Flyer ID to fly a model aircraft or drone weighing 100g or more, and an Operator ID too if it weighs 250g or more (or 100g or more with a camera). Read more on our BMFA membership page or the CAA website.

New to the hobby?

Read our guide Why Join a Model Club? and find a club near you on our Model Clubs in Kent & the South East page. Browse our RC aircraft, RC cars, RC helicopters and drones and RC boats, or visit our shop in Sutton at Hone for friendly advice.