Aircraft sports enthusiasts flew high!

Rustenburg – Peak hour motorists along the Rustenburg freeways were stunned to see an unknown foreign object (UFO) flying above their heads in the afternoon of Tuesday, 8 May! 

It turned out to be a radio-controlled aircraft on an aerial display, a fast-growing sport within the aircraft industry.

According to Evert Kleynhans, a devout member of the Boshoek Radio Flyers Club, they had just returned from the annual South African Model Aircraft Association (SAMAA) which is a national competition, held from 27 April to 1 May, hosted by Aerial Concepts at Henley-on-Klip near Boksburg.  
Evert Kleynhans came second and his colleague Fanie van Emmenes took the fourth spot, thereby finishing within the first four in a competition that featured 12 others.

Giving Platinum Weekly insights into the sport, Kleynhans said the competition required a level of proficient knowledge and skill in the radio-controlled business of flying aircraft and skydiving.

“As you fly the aircraft you have to release the mannequin which acts as a pilot. The mannequin should land at an identifiable spot and based on its proximity to the target you gain points. So, there is some measure of accuracy that is required,” he said.

He said a special interest group for radio-controlled skydivers also known as South African Model Special Parachutist Enthusiast (SAMPE) was registered in February and that, there are already enthusiasts who participate regularly at monthly informal events.

SAMPE must register with the mother body, SAMAA. 
Kleynhans also said they would participate in international competitions in countries such as Germany and France in future, where the sport is more developed.

For more information on this fast-growing sport, Evert Kleynhans can be contacted at 082-210 7095.