Local businessmen rake in titles at SA Combined Power Nationals

TWO local businessmen of Flight Pro in New Germany, Pinetown, brought home two trophies from the SA Combined Power Nationals in Klerksdorp from 22 to 27 April.

Luke Johnson, who has been flying remote-controlled (RC) aircraft for as long as he can remember and who also has his commercial pilots’ licence, won the 150 class Drone Nationals in 27.732 seconds using his Viking Quad. Michel Leusch won the Sport Jet and Large Scale Aerobatics categories.

The Viking Quads team also won the 250 class. They performed well in all three disciplines, which is quite an achievement for a home-grown quad.

Luke described the atmosphere at the competition: “This was the first time there was a drone category and we had the biggest entry for nationals. It was intense because contestants didn’t know each others’ abilities, but I remained confident. We all had a lot of fun and made some good friends.”

Michel, on the other hand, said he had been flying at a national level for a long time. “Although anxious, I looked forward to competing with and meeting former competitors and friends,” said Michel.

Michel has his private pilots’ licence (PPL) and aerobatic licence. He has been flying model aircraft since 1988. Michel is also the current world champion for intermediate aerobatics and flies internationally for Red Bull China as a display pilot.

When asked what was next, Michel said he had his eyes set on the Large Scale Aerobatics Champs next year. Luke, on the other hand, said he is waiting to hear if he can compete in the Drones Worlds in Hawaii in October this year.

Luke also said Viking Quads is planning to host an invitational, sponsored by Flight Pro, in August at Thomas More College. Dates are still to be confirmed. He suggested those interested in radio-controlled aircraft keep an eye on these websites – www.vikingquads.com or www.flightpro.co.za – or contact him on 031 705 3098.