Welcome to ModelAir

Welcome to the ModelAir website. Some of the most popular model aircraft flying weekends in the UK are organised by ModelAir at Old Warden Aerodrome, home of The Shuttleworth Collection.

At all ModelAir events, the emphasis is on relaxed, informal flying for all disciplines - free flight, control line and radio control aircraft (vintage, scale, aerobatic, helicopters), and many aeromodellers and pilots return year after year, because of the venue's unique atmosphere. Pilots in all three disciplines can fly all day long (weather and frequency permitting) without having to book their flying slots weeks in advance. Informal competitions take place on each of the three ModelAir weekends, with a variety of trophies being presented.

ModelAir also offers aeromodellers the opportunity to take their BMFA A or B Certificate, on the Friday before each weekend event. Please see BMFA CERTIFICATE TEST DAYS.

The BMFA and many traders regularly support the ModelAir events, providing modellers with a wide range of kits, equipment and advice.

Whether you are a seasoned pilot, a newcomer, or returning to modelling - or whether you just enjoy the atmosphere of flying model aircraft at Old Warden, come along and enjoy yourself at this wonderful venue.

There's plenty for the family too - in addition to The Shuttleworth Collection of historic aircraft, cars, motorcycles and carriages, there is a 2-acre Jubilee Play Centre, and the UK's largest Bird of Prey Centre, as well as a restaurant and shop. There is also a tethered model car display area. For more information, visit the Shuttleworth website (see Links).

Campers and caravans welcome. See Camping at Old Warden Airfield.

Model Flying at Old Warden

For many years, flying events were arranged and run by Model Activity Press, later taken over by Nexus, who published AeroModeller, Radio Modeller and RCM&E magazines. Gradually, as the publishing business shifted their emphasis away from event management to focus on profitable magazines, the events fell by the wayside.

ModelAir was set up by Mike Reynolds (of RAF Halton show fame) and Ken Sheppard (Editor of RC Model Flyer), in order to resurrect the tradition of informal model flying weekends at Old Warden. No other aeromodelling event or venue offers such a relaxed and informal atmosphere for pilots in all three disciplines.