Sunday, February 18, 2007 Remote-controlled aircraft find launch home in SRP
THE asphalted tarmac for remote-controlled (RC) aircrafts was formally launched last Friday at the South Reclamation Project.
The RC heli field, a 25x25 meter area, beside Pond A, will serve as the venue for remote-controlled aircraft tournaments, and is constructed in preparation for the Hirobo Cup RC helicopter competition on April.
“Not only will this be the venue for international and local competitions, It will be the home of Team Cebu City, which will be part of the Philippine Team in the Hirobo Cup,” said Cebu City Sports Commission chairperson Jack Jakosalem.
The inauguration was attended by Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, who cut the ribbon alongside Takahiro Kobayashi, the export sales director of Hirobo Japan.
Space and wind
Because of the huge area and the wind condition at the SRP, Jakosalem said the Japanese sponsor was happy about choosing Cebu as the venue for the summer event.
“Kobayashi found the area very conducive for the competition. It has very good wind conditions. There is ample space surrounding the airstrip, which makes it safe for spectators and it is near the city,” Jakosalem added.
International flight
After the ribbon-cutting, Philippine champion Alvin Alcantara, who has been in several international competitions, performed a demo flight.
The competition in April was supposed to be just an Asian contest, but teams from South Africa and the United States have confirmed their competition this early.
The last Hirobo Cup was held in Hong Kong in 2004 with Taiwanese flyers taking the top honors. (MCB)
