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www.flyingsites.co.uk

Launched on March 1st this year, this is a magazine-type site absolutely packed with r/c modelling information. It is produced by Peter Dennis who says, in a report appearing in the May issue of RCM&E, "One of our main aims is to bring together the very best of British Model Aviation on the web. We all share our knowledge and expertise with our friends down at the flying site - why not extend that 'service' to club members from elsewhere?".

The general ethos of Flying Sites appears to be almost identical to that of ModelFlight, reflected in its slogan 'By Aero Modellers For Aero Modellers' and with very similar content, welcoming contributions from all enthusiasts from kit reviews and top tips to building techniques and reports of club events and competitions - 'in fact, anything that you think would inform and entertain fellow model flyers'. The big difference, I feel, is that ModelFlight is international and home-spun whilst Flying Sites has a much more polished feel to it and caters especially for r/c aero modellers in the United Kingdom. In that respect, they are probably right when they state that "The R/C Aero Portal is the FIRST entirely British based news, information and resource centre, catering especially for R/C Aero Modellers in the United Kingdom. Bringing together the best of British R/C model flying, on the web!"

The site has a very professional appearance and the opening page is not unlike the sort of design used by many commercial sites, carrying brief summaries of, and links to, the contents of the site. It has a very attractive blue and orange theme running throughout, reflected here in this item. Flying Sites say they are not in the business for profit, but they do seek paid advertising to try and cover their costs.

There is a wide range of material contained on the site as you can see from the main menu reproduced here. More unusual items include some very interesting downloads, with wallpaper images, no less than four model aviation calculators and a conversion programme currently on offer. There is an extensive directory of UK model flying clubs, a page featuring the main UK modelling magazines - including previews so you can check out the content before you buy (as an alternative to standing at W H Smith's magazine stand for hours!) and even a page of full-size information and news.

Altogether a very nice site and well worth a regular visit - be warned, though, you may be there for hours! ModelFlight wishes every success to Flying Sites!