All flying of model aircraft at a flying display by LMA members must have a permit from the LMA in accordance with the LMA’s Article 16 authorisation

A Model Aircraft Flying Display is Defined as:
Any flying activity deliberately performed, by model aircraft, for the purpose of providing an exhibition or entertainment at an advertised event.

The LMA has in place a process that allows the LMA to permit model aircraft under 25kg and over 25kg (large model aircraft) to take part in model aircraft display events and a manned aircraft display events in accordance with Section 4.4 of the Model Aircraft Article 16 Authorisation Number UAS13534 Dated May 2021.

Such a permission may also include the permission to fly model aircraft over 7.5kg and over 25kg above 400ft during a display event as well as reduce the minimum separation distance from assemblies of people during a display event.

The LMA handbook defines the 6 tiers of model flying events. The display approval process deals with the three highest tiers which require the highest level of oversight by the LMA and an LMA Display Permit to be in place. All of these Display Permits may be combined with a BMFA Display Permit as necessary.

Tier 4 Display featuring model aircraft >7.5Kg but <25Kg
Requires an LMA Display Permit (which may permit aircraft >7.5Kg but <25Kg >400ft) and a NOTAM.
(May be combined with a BMFA Display Permit to cover model aircraft >7.5Kg but <25Kg >400ft)

Tier 5 Display featuring Large Model Aircraft (>25Kg)
Requires an LMA Display Permit (which may permit >25kg >400ft) and a NOTAM.
(May be combined with a BMFA Display Permit to cover model aircraft >7.5Kg but <25Kg >400ft)

Tier 6 Display featuring Large Model Aircraft (>25Kg) and manned aircraft
Requires an LMA Display Permit (which may permit >25kg >400ft) and a NOTAM.
(May be combined with a BMFA Display Permit to cover model aircraft >7.5Kg but <25Kg >400ft)
The manned aircraft display will need approval from the CAA in accordance with CAP 403 in addition to the LMA / BMFA permission for the model flying part of the display.

Application Process

There is a charge for display permissions, and applications should be made at least 28 days prior to the date of the display by emailing secretary@largemodelassociation.com with the following information‐

1. The name and address and contact details of the Display Organiser
2. The location of the display venue
3. Date(s) & time(s) of the public display
4. A colour 1:50,000 scale Ordnance Survey map extract that must clearly show the event location and the layout of the site including:
a. Boundaries of the Display Area(s)
b. Any relevant features within the Display Area(s), including but not limited to:
i. Buildings potentially occupied by non‐essential personnel
ii. Areas where secondary spectators might assemble
c. Spectator Areas and any other area accessible to spectators during the Flying Display (Car Parks for example).
5. A site plan of an appropriate scale to show clearly
a. The crowd line
b. The separation distances within the display area(s) for different classes of aircraft
c. The remote pilot position
d. If flying is planned to take place from multiple locations during the display, the plan can show all flying locations and area(s) or a separate plan can be submitted for
each flying location and area.
6. Fully completed Flying Display Risk Assessment(s)
7. Model Flying Display Organiser (MFDO) name, contact details and relevant qualifications / experience
8. Model Flying Display Director (MFDD) name, contact details and relevant qualifications / experience
9. Approximate number, mass & speed of aircraft to be displayed
10. Maximum altitude above ground level of the flying display