Scheme Summary

If you plan to build and fly a model aircraft in the UK of any type which weighs over 25kg MTOM (full of fuel) the most straightforward and lowest cost route is to have the aircraft inspected and flight tested in the over 25kg scheme operated by the LMA on behalf of the UK CAA.

The Over 25kg scheme covers aircraft throughout their service life from initial build and proves that the aircraft is flightworthy and every named pilot is competent to fly it.

The scheme is operated under the LMA’s article 16 operating authorisation and may only be used by current LMA members.

There is an annual charge by the LMA of £30 per member to use the scheme. The charge covers as many aircraft as a member has flying, either under a test flight permit or a permit to fly.

The LMA has a network of inspectors and flight test witnesses around the country who will be able to help with your aircraft, whether building, flying or maintaining.

If you have any queries about the scheme please contact us.

Annual Renewals

Permits to Fly are specific to the operator and pilot(s), are issued for one year and need to be renewed annually.

The summary renewal process is-

1. Operator makes annual declaration to the LMA
2. LMA checks that all is in order and that the aircraft still complies with the requirements of the over 25kg scheme
3. LMA issues a Permit to Fly for that aircraft valid for one year

Adding New Pilots

New pilots can be added to an aircraft permit to fly at any time.

The summary additional pilot process is-

1. Pilot(s) carry out test flights in the presence of an LMA Flight Test Witness
2. LMA checks that the test flights have been carried out properly
3. LMA issues a Permit to Fly for that aircraft valid for one year

Test Flight Locations

All test flights including flights to add a new pilot must be made at a location approved by the LMA. The Following Locations are approved for flight testing of over 25kg model aircraft in accordance with section 4.8 (8) of Model Aircraft Article 16 Authorisation UAS13534.

A site appearing on this list does not necessarily mean that any LMA member can test fly an over 25kg aircraft there. The club that operates the flying site must be contacted first and their agreement obtained before any flying takes place.

Abingdon Airfield
Albemarle Barracks (up to 400ft only)
Barling Airfield
Binham Model Flying Site
Blackdown RCFC Upottery Airfield
BMFA Buckminster
Bury MFC Knettishall
Carmarthen Model Flying Club
Cheddar Model Flying Site
Cottesmore Airfield
County MFC
Deenethorpe Airfield
Draycot Farm Aerodrome
Elvington Airfield
Fenland MFC
Hemel Hempstead MFC
Keevil Airfield
LADMAS Halsall
Langar Model Aircraft Club
Llanbedr Airfield
LMA North West Model Flying Site
NLMFC Baldock
NMAS Longhorsley
Peonix MFC
RAF Barkston Heath
RAF Shawbury
Rendcomb Airfield
RNAS Culdrose
RNAS Merryfield
Rutland RC Flyers Cottesmore Airfield
Rutland RC Flyers North Luffenham Airfield
Salisbury MFC
Staffordshire RC Aerodrome
Tibenham Airfield
Weston Zoyland Airfield
Wincanton Falcons MFC
Wimborne MAC Cashmoor
Winterton MFC
Woodbridge
Woodspring Wings MAC