No-fly zone for model plane club
Model aircraft enthusiasts have had to divert their machines’ flight paths to avoid crash landing in a new solar farm.
Medway Model Flying Club, which attracts enthusiasts from Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Sheppey and even Surrey, has been using fields off Stickfast Lane, Iwade, as its runway since 1986.
There was doubt over its future when planning permission was granted for the renewable energy project at Orchard Farm on adjacent land.
But an agreement was reached and the club’s 123 members now make sure they do not fly their models above the panels, lessening the risk of an expensive crash landing.
Members have also been told they must not climb the fence to retrieve models.
Club chairman Phil Fearn said: “We’ve changed the way we fly so we now have the solar farm behind us so we don’t fly over it at all. It appears to be working very well. If anyone did have an accident and a plane crashed into a panel, we would be covered by insurance. The priority is to not go over there.”
The changes have meant a takeoff and landing strip, which Mr Fearn said was maintained to bowling green standard, can no longer be used.
“We’ve got to start again with that,” he added. “That’ll take a couple of years.
Flying can take place seven days a week but is most popular at weekends, when weather conditions allow it, and goes ahead with the blessing of landowner GH Dean and Co.
Over the years the club, which was set up in 1974, has raised more than £12,000 for its adopted charity, the Kent, Surrey& Sussex Air Ambulance Trust.
For more information, email pfiwade@blueyonder.co.uk or go to www.medwaymfc.org.uk