Untitled Document

Radio-controlled helicopters
Realizing the fantasy to fly

Photos & text by
Eldon Chim, Hennis Tong & Sha Jiayi

The sixth Hong Kong Radio-controlled Helicopters Competition was held from 30 to 31
March in Yuen Long. It attracted 47 helicopter hobbyists to compete for three championships: the Hirobo Cup, the Shuttle Cup and the Fun Fly.

Hobbyists had to maneuver their helicopters to roll, rotate, and land properly. The one who could best perform the tasks became the winner.

Every year, the champion of the Hirobo Cup wins
the admission tickets for international competitions.
However, Annie Chan of the Hong Kong Model Racing Association said the standard of local hobbyists is just around average.

"Top hobbyists, who come mostly from Italy, Japan and the U.S., are professionals supported by radio-controlled model manufacturers. They also receive regular training and have better equipment.

James Yuen, the winner of Hirobo Cup last year, said he enjoyed his 12-year experience in the activity.

"Flying has been my dream since I was young.

"I feel wonderful that my helicopter can help me to realize my dream," said he.

But he agreed that it is a dangerous activity.

There were cases in Tuen Mun and Tseung Kwan O where hobbyists were wounded by the helicopters' fiberglass propellers.

Therefore, hobbyists have to be extremely alert to flying objects in the course of dream realization.
According to Mrs. Chan, this activity attracts very few female hobbyists because of its potential danger.

She said that model plane aviation has potential development in Hong Kong. Hobbyists have been applying for government aid for land for 10 years. But a reply is still pending.

"There are always not enough practice fields for us," said Mrs. Chan.

Hennis Tong

All participants in the local competitions are males.

Sha Jiayi

Hobbyists ready to perform stunts for the championships.

Sha Jiayi

Radio-controlled helicopters can cost $5,000 to $20,000.

Hennis Tong

Helicopter sprays gas fumes from its fuel.

Sha Jiayi

Sha Jiayi

Organizer invites two Japanese professionals to demonstrate their techniques with radio control. Hobbyists must be alert to the possibilities of an accident..

Previous

The sixth Hong Kong Radio-controlled Helicopters Competition was held from 30 to 31 March in Yuen Long. It attracted 47 helicopter hobbyists to compete for three championships: the Hirobo Cup, the Shuttle Cup and the Fun Fly. Hobbyists had to maneuver their helicopters to roll, rotate, and land properly. The one who could best perform the tasks became the winner. Every year, the champion of the Hirobo Cup wins the admission tickets for international competitions. However, Annie Chan of the Hong Kong Model Racing Association said the standard of local hobbyists is just around average. "Top hobbyists, who come mostly from Italy, Japan and the U.S., are professionals supported by radio-controlled model manufacturers. They also receive regular training and have better equipment. James Yuen, the winner of Hirobo Cup last year, said he enjoyed his 12-year experience in the activity. "Flying has been my dream since I was young. "I feel wonderful that my helicopter can help me to realize my dream," said he. But he agreed that it is a dangerous activity. There were cases in Tuen Mun and Tseung Kwan O where hobbyists were wounded by the helicopters' fiberglass propellers. Therefore, hobbyists have to be extremely alert to flying objects in the course of dream realization. According to Mrs. Chan, this activity attracts very few female hobbyists because of its potential danger. She said that model plane aviation has potential development in Hong Kong. Hobbyists have been applying for government aid for land for 10 years. But a reply is still pending. "There are always not enough practice fields for us," said Mrs. Chan.	Hennis Tong

	All participants in the local competitions are males.
	Sha Jiayi

	Hobbyists ready to perform stunts for the championships.
	Sha Jiayi

	Radio-controlled helicopters can cost $5,000 to $20,000.
	Hennis Tong

	Helicopter sprays gas fumes from its fuel.
	Sha Jiayi
Sha Jiayi

Organizer invites two Japanese professionals to demonstrate their techniques with radio control.	Hobbyists must be alert to the possibilities of an accident..