** Now including the Final ‘Fun’ Challenge (entry on the day) **
Welcome!
The British Model Flying Association is the United Kingdom’s National Governing Body for the sport of model aircraft flying and one of its key aims is to increase interest in aviation and engineering through education.
The BMFA Payload Challenges require students to design, build and fly load-carrying model aircraft. The competitions have evolved to stretch the abilities of participating students and there is no doubt the development of a good aircraft requires each team to display design flair, technical knowledge and teamwork.
Judging is by a panel of professional engineers and the competition has attracted very favourable comment from external examiners, the challenge is sponsored by the Royal Aeronautical Society and also enjoys the support of BAE SYSTEMS, Rolls Royce, RAF Engineering and the Royal Air Force Model Aircraft Association.
For 2026 we will be running Challenge 2 Cube Lift, 3 Distance, 4 Quantity and 5 Weight. New for 2026 is the Final Fun Challenge.
2026 Challenges Launched
The contest is open to all students in full time education including home education and accredited apprenticeships, based in the UK and Europe.
Entries must be received by the 1st April 2026, however, due to the continually increasing interest in this competition this year will again see a limit on the number of entries accepted.
With this in mind it is suggested that you submit your team’s entries as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
An entry fee is payable on submission of a completed entry form.
The flying and presentation element of the competition will take place on the 10th and 11th of June 2026 at the British Model Flying Association National Centre near Grantham in Lincolnshire, teams may arrive on the 9th of June for set up and practice by prior arrangement.
We look forward to meeting your teams at the 2026 Universities and Schools Payload Challenge.
For detailed information or assistance contact the Challenge Co-ordinator, Manny Williamson on manny@bmfa.org
New for 2026
The Final Challenge
For this year we have added in a final challenge for teams to participate in if they wish, the emphasis is on a fun and safe final flying opportunity with their competition aircraft.
The Final Challenge is outside of the formal competition and there are no official awards, however, we will be awarding some fun prizes to the teams who achieve the highest score.
See the separate rules sheet for full information and get your imagination into gear!
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