The BMFA was founded in 1922 as the SMAE (Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers).
The change of name took place in 1987 during the AGM of the SMAE voted to adopt a working title, the British Model Flying Association.
Their Head office is currently based in Chacksfield House, Leicester, UK.
The whole of the UK is administered from the Head Office, but locally there are 14 "Area" committees which meet periodically, and these meetings are attended by club delegates who can, through various channels open to the "Areas", propose changes or additions to the running of the sport, these are then voted upon at Council meetings held at the Head Office.
If passed, the changes will be incorporated in the guidelines produced by the organisation and published in the "BMFA Handbook".