MAAA Wingspan

14 A 15-YEAR-OLD AUSSIE PILOT HAS BEEN CROWNED FAI WORLD DRONE RACING CHAMPION, AFTER A SPECTACULAR FOUR DAYS OF COMPETITION IN SHENZHEN, CHINA A total of 128 pilots, including 44 juniors and 13 women, from 34 countries were in China for the first edition of the exciting FAI World Drone Racing Championships that took place November 1 – 4. Rudi Browning fromChapel Hill, Brisbane beat 127 other drone racers from 34 countries to win the prestigious title and FAI goldmedal. The FPV pilot said he was thrilled to walk away with gold and was honoured to see his sport recognised on an international level. “It feels absolutely amazing. I dreamed of this, and it is incredible that it has come true. I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “I had a lot of ups and downs on the way here but this is definitely amassive high. “I ama very competitive person and I aimhigh. The goal was to win everything I could. A lot of luck comes into it, as well as skill, so everything came together and I am super happy.” The Australian team, which included Thomas Bitmatta, Ben Mortensen, Rudi Browning and Luke Godeassi, also took home the Team goldmedal. MAAA president Neil Tank said he was thrilled to see the next generation of skilled Australian pilots be recognised at such a renowned international competition. “We are immensely proud of Rudi and the Australian team for the world-class race they all flew during these prestigious championships,” he said. “FPV racing is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping sport, combining high-tech drones, on-board camera and high-speed racing. Pilots operate their drones by wearing goggles or using a screen, creating a virtual personal flight experience, as judges time the races using similar goggles or a screen. “The MAAA as an organisation represents FAI in Australia and is leading the way to a stronger focus on safety and privacy with drone use, ensuring the sport of FPV continues to grow and be supported around the globe.” The event was the first FAI World Drone Racing Championship and was designed to showcase the very best drone racing in the world. For further information, please consult the competition website here https://faidroneworld2018.aero/ FAI WORLD DRONE RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS