A dedicated model aeronautics fan has launched a bid to resurrect his former club and help find Bermuda's next young pilots in the process.

Calvin Simons wants Morgan’s Point in Southampton to again become a model runway where members can fly mini planes and helicopters. He has appealed to the Government for permission and help with insurance.

The 83-year-old, from Somerset, still flies his aircraft when on holiday in Florida but the local club of which he was a part was grounded in 2012 after the Southlands and Morgan’s Point land swap.

Mr Simons said: “This could be a great activity for young children and keep them off the streets out and of harm’s way. And it could help develop the next young pilots for Bermuda by giving them a taste for flying.”

He is keen to restart the club and recruit new members.

Mr Simons added: “I have been involved in the hobby since 1976.

“By the mid-1970s, the hobby locally needed regulating and structure and the Bermuda Radio Control Flying Club was formed as a charter club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

“We had the good fortune to be allowed to fly at the old US Navy operating base at what is now called Morgan’s Point. All was good.

“But in 1995, the base closed and we were no longer eligible for membership in the AMA and that also meant the loss of our $1 million liability insurance coverage.

“Thankfully, a local insurance company provided the same coverage and we continued to enjoy the facility.

“Then came 2012 and the Southlands-Morgan’s Point land swap, which ended our wherewithal to fly at Morgan’s Point.

“We were summarily evicted in spite of being told verbally we could stay.”

He said: “We swallowed that situation, hoping it all would be for the greater good of Bermuda and moved on.

“All that was 14 years ago and in spite of all the excitement around the potential for the property, the eastern ten acres, where we flew, remains unused.

“My question at this point is, what could be the harm in the reactivation of the BRCFC and if we contribute to the blanket insurance coverage that should exist for the entire property and be allowed to fly again?

“Compared to traditional sports, where Bermuda is firmly established on the world map, model aircraft flying in that space is non-existent.”

The former club president has launched a bid for members to return and wrote to the Government to be allowed back to their old venue at Morgan’s Point, as well as to support insurance costs.

He insists that the resurgence of BRCFC would provide new entertainment for young people

A spokesman for Morgan’s Point Development Company — a government-owned entity set up to lead the redevelopment of the site — said there were no plans to allow the club to return to the area.

The Government was contacted for comment, but none was received by the time of publication.