Aero-Linx!
Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough,
if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows
us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not
that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often
hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts
confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this
is done on the Internet.
The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat
sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to
ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the
sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new
spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into
cyber-aero-space for awhile.
Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via
Aero-Linx.
Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always
welcome, as well.
British Microlight Aircraft
Association
The British Microlight Aircraft Association looks after the
interests of microlight owners in the UK. It is an organization
approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and has powers
delegated to it to control training and airworthiness. Its aims are
to further the sport of microlight aviation, keep flying costs down
to a minimum for its members and to represent them in national and
international matters relating to our sport.
The BMAA is the Royal Aero Club's nominated delegate in all
matters related to microlight aviation to the
Fédération Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) which
controls all aviation sporting activities worldwide and to Europe
Airsports which defends the interests of sport aviation in
Europe
A permanent staff, headed by a Chief Executive and based in
Deddington in Oxfordshire, take care of the day to day running of
the association. Its activities are steered by a voluntary Council,
members of which are elected for three year terms at annual General
meetings.
The BMAA organizes an annual Trade Show for its members which
runs alongside the AGM. The BMAA publishes Microlight Flying, a
bi-monthly magazine covering most of the important aspects of
flying and operating microlights, including competition news,
flight reports, technical articles, and a classified section where
members can advertise. A National Championship series of
competitions is organized every year by the association; many
pilots participate simply for the fun of it and to improve their
pilot skills at the same time; top performing pilots are selected
to represent the UK in European and World Championships.
Over the last 10 years the UK team has been remarkably
successful at the highest level. You can read of some of our
successes in our History of Microlight Aviation section. There are
a large number of BMAA recognized clubs throughout the UK which
organize both national and local flying and social events, helping
to keep everyone in touch with their favorite pastime - Flying
Microlights! The best way to find out more about the sport is to
call the secretary of your local club and go along to their next
meeting. Who knows, someone might offer you a ride!