The national lockdown has kept many avid sports lovers indoors. Some have had to make do with exercising in their living rooms or gardens, putting a golf ball down the passage, or rolling a bowling wood around the garden.
Others, like Kobus van der Bank, are resuscitating their previous hobbies. Kobus, who supplies the farming sector with much-needed chemicals to ward off pests and invasive plants, has been busy brushing up his radio-controlled aircraft models.
He says he has been flying model aircraft on and off for the past 17 years.
“I grew up next to the airfield in Hluhluwe and as a kid, the flying bug hit me hard. Back then, planes had to be assembled from scratch, which varied according to price and the skill needed to build the model. Planes nowadays come pre-built and assembly is only necessary. Depending on size, the craft can be assembled over one or two evenings,” Kobus explains.
“New, they can be quite pricey, but ‘used’ is fairly reasonable and one can pick up a good plane for around R2 500.”
He says radio-controlled planes are relatively easy to fly and these days, flight simulators are available to ensure that novices get a grasp of the concept before taking their new model out for a ‘real flight’.
Asked about the laws pertaining to the flying of model aircraft – as there are regulations governing the operating of drones in especially urban areas – Kobus says enthusiasts should affiliate with the South African Model Aircraft Association. “The association keeps members informed of the laws and it is best to have the law on your side should anything happen.”
The planes do suffer damage when crashing, but as the models are made of wood and covering, these can be easily rebuilt and repaired.
Historically, electronically-guided aircraft were hydrogen-filled model airships of the late 19th century. These were flown as a music hall act around theatre auditoriums using a basic form of spark-emitted radio signal.
Technology has developed rapidly since those days and Kobus says flying a radio-controlled aircraft is a great relaxer, is great for co-ordination and above all, is fun.
Kobus is happy to assist anyone keen to get into the hobby with flying simulation and building models. “It would be nice to bring a group of enthusiasts together. I would like permission to use a strip of land on the outskirts of Endumeni, as this creates far less risk than flying at the airport. We have been previously granted permission to fly at the local airfield, but it is never permanent.” Anyone keen to start a new ‘lockdown’ hobby is welcome to contact Kobus on 082-747-0692.
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