We have two sites where you are welcome to fly model aircraft; one at St. Mary’s Lands (Warwick Racecourse) and one at Newbold Comyn. The rules for model flying at St. Mary’s Lands have been updated in early 2021.
These sites are also used by other visitors taking part in a variety of different activities. Model flyers are expected to behave in a way that does not unduly disturb other users of the site or nearby residents.
We have set out the following rules that are designed to ensure the safety of everyone visiting the area and the comfort of nearby residents, whilst still allowing model flyers to enjoy their hobby. If you fly at one our sites you must adhere to the rules below. It is imperative that all model flyers abide by all the rules to ensure we continue to enjoy flying at the sites.
Rules of flying
- Flying should take place only within the flying areas shown on the plans below. Flyers must make every effort to ensure that models do not stray beyond these designated zones.
- These are public areas and flyers must give priority to other visitors at all times.
- All flyers must be current members of the British Model Flyers Association (BMFA) and covered by a minimum of £5 million public liability insurance. Evidence of BMFA membership must be available for inspection by Council Officers at all times whilst flying.
- Flyers must also be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority and at all times comply with the CAA air navigation order and Code of Practice CAP 658: “Model aircraft – A Guide to Safe Flying”. You must have 2 registrations in place before you fly any model aircraft of 250g to 20kg (7kg is the maximum weight at these sites). Anyone intending to fly must first pass a theory test to get a ‘FLYER I.D.’ The person responsible for the aircraft must then register to get an ‘OPERATOR I.D.’ The OPERATOR I.D. must be firmly attached in a visible place on every aircraft to be flown and available for inspection by Council Officers at all times. This became law on 30 November 2019, and it is illegal to fly without passing this test or registering.
- Only ‘Silent Flight’ is permitted at the St. Mary’s Lands site. This means Fixed Wing Electric power, Rubber power and Gliders only.
- Quad Copter, Multi Rotor Drones & Helicopters are not permitted on the Warwick Racecourse site.
- To comply with ecological and noise prevention, I.C.E. (internal combustion engines) are not permitted.
Additional information on model flying and the law, including a definition of silent flight, can be found in the BMFA handbook.
Flying hours
The flying hours are different for each site and may only take place during the following times.
St. Mary’s lands flying hours
- September 1 to March 31 (winter): 10am until 7pm (or sunset if sooner)
- April 1 to August 31 (summer): 10am until 8pm
Flying is not permitted during Warwick Race Course race day meetings.
Newbold Comyn flying hours
- Monday - Friday (excluding bank holidays): 10am to 7pm
- Weekends and bank holidays: 11am to 4pm
Flying areas
The plans below show the areas where model aircraft flying is permitted at our two sites; Warwick Racecourse (St Marys Lands) and Newbold Comyn. Printable PDFs of the flying areas can be downloaded from the 'Related Links' section.
Newbold Comyn flying area
View Model flying - Newbold Comyn in a larger map
Warwick Racecourse flying area
View Model Flying, Warwick Racecourse in a larger map