A Brief History Of Our Club

This famous Club was formed in the early 1960's. Advances in electronics, particularly the bulk manufacture miniature components for the computer industry, made it possible for ordinary Club model planes to carry sophisticated radio control gear. The Sussex Radio Flying Club was formed by local modellers to develop the art of radio controlled flying. In those days the main interest of Club members was the flying of gliders and power both "sports" models and scale models of full size aircraft. Many of our past and present members are respected for their achievements in the world of Aeromodelling. Recently the radio controlled helicopter has become a popular part of Club activities, as has the development of electrically powered models. We have a long and valued association with Shoreham Airport, flying on the airfield during the long summer evenings and meeting afterwards for a chat and a drink in the Terminal Bar.

Our monthly club nights are usually held on the first Friday evening of each month at 8.00pm at the Royal Coach Pub on the A259 near the Shoreham Airport. In the winter, when it is too dark to fly in the evening, lectures and film shows are arranged, whilst in the summer our Friday club night usually takes places at Coombes with flying and a BBQ. The Royal Coach Pub is also the location of our committee meetings that are held on the first Wednesday of the month at which all members are welcome.

The SRFC has the exclusive use of the North East edge of Shoreham Airport. The flying of models is restricted to times when the airfield is closed to full size planes. The airfield is normally closed at 8.00pm every evening and on some holidays. The Club has a number of flying sites to cater for members interested in gliders, helicopters, and fixed wing power models.

The safe flying of model aircraft is especially difficult for the beginner and the Club provides facilities to help encourage the newcomer to become a safe pilot quickly, with Sunday morning training sessions at Coombes on the Club Buddy Box Trainer. All members of the Club enjoy membership of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) and their flying activities are covered by the BMFA Club insurance policy. A quarterly news letter known as the FlyPaper is sent to all members, all contributions of interest are welcome.

Last updated on 12-Nov-2009