Model flying, known as "aeromodelling" is a huge hobby with complex and remarkable models which are far from the "small toys" people often think about when we first mention the hobby
Once you get past the common misconception of store bought toys, you will be amazed at the size, variety and capability of these model aircraft.
Personally I have flown huge models of up to 80% scale of the full size and my regular every day planes to fly measure around 3 meters long. Add to this that there are also scaled down turbine engines also means we have jets that look and sound like the real thing, as well as being capable of smashing 500km/h. No matter what the model is, in the right hands, it can put on an amazing display.
These models are capable of putting on an airshow in locations that full size aircraft couldn't, not to mention being able to perform manoeuvres that manned aircraft could only dream of, the possibilities are limitless.
I started flying in 2002 when I was 14, following my discovery of the hobby through a static display in my town. Contrary to most young people starting, I didn't have any aeromodellers in the family so had to learn as I went along.
As I progressed, despite having all the moral support from my family, I have always had to decide for myself what models to buy, how to pay for them, and then build, setup, test, adjust and on more than one occasion, repair!
Despite dedicating all my free time to the hobby, my passion for flight has always grown, from when I started and all I wanted was a large scale aerobatic plane, to today when I still love aerobatics of any type, regardless of being a prop plane or a jet.
Having been Spanish National Champion four times, as well multiple podium finishes all over Europe, I have currently left the competition scene behind, dedicating all my free time to doing more show flying, now not only in Spain and Europe but all over the world, having performed in North and South America, Africa, and all over Asia.
I am currently known for my own unique style of flying, usually combining any number of maneuvers together in a small space and time, in the case of aerobatic models being rather aggressive and daring, while with jets simply being very low and very fast!
I also collaborate with many of the biggest brands in the business, not only through sponsorship, but also with design ideas, product development and testing, as well as helping with manuals, advertising and more. Thanks to all my sponsors support I can continue doing what I love, travelling the world and flying at airshows all over the place!
As part of my appreciation to my sponsors I created this website, and also started uploading YouTube videos showing my travels, builds, flights and everything interesting along the way
From the end of 2015, and with huge support from my sponsors, especially Powerbox-Systems and Pilot-Rc, I have gone from flying at numerous shows all over Europe, to travelling the world to the biggest and best airshows around, at some fascinating and exotic locations such as the Dubai & Abu-Dhabi, Beijing & Shanghai, USA, India, Chile, Brasil, South Africa and beyond. All thanks to exhibitions, local celebrations or even events put on by government for national festivities.
In addition to flying at international airshows, I have flown in some rather unusual or particularly special locations and events. One of these would be flying at the Ascari race track in Ronda, the largest privately owned race track in the world, with access limited to just a select few.
Another one of these cases was flying at the international airport opposite the Xtreme Air factory (where the famous Sbach 342 was built) when we had to wait for a Ryanair plane to land before being given the all clear for takeoff. Or perhaps flying at a national park in Tianjin, China to celebrate their independence, flying over water, through fountains and around trees and tents with both large scale aerobats and jets.
Due to my style of flying, I have also been invited to fly at events that usually I shouldn't be able to take part in. Having flown aerobatics at the 3D Helicopter World Championships, having a solo slot made for me at Jet Power, or even night flying a 100cc plane at 2am in Germany, something usually prohibited due to noise restrictions!
Despite currently only flying exhibitions, I have also spent many years flying competitions, gaining dozens of wins both in Spain and internationally.
First contact with aeromodelling, at a static display in Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain
First ever exhibition, at La Marina, Alicante, Spain
First competition, Tabala Funfly(winner), Murcia, Spain
First competition, Tabala Funfly(winner), Murcia, Spain
First time Spanish Champion IMAC/F3M
First ever IMAC/F3M win, Asturias, Spain
Double Spanish Champion IMAC/F3M
Triple Spanish Champion- SXFC
Four Times Spanish Champion-SXFC
First time shipping model to an airshow – Weston Park – UK
First time outside Europe – Tianjin Airshow – China.With Poerbox – Systems
Airshows In India, Chile, South Africa & China
Airshows in Dubai, USA, Germany, South Africa, Tenerife, Uk and all over Spain
Airshows in China, Brasil, Dubai, Poland, UK, Germany and all over Spain
Airshows in Chile, USA, UK, Germany, Dubai, India and all over Spain
Covid prevented any flying events but we grew on YouTube and entertained during this tough time
Travel was once again allowed, it was a slow start but we got back to amazing locations like Dubai por Portugal
Travelled all the way to Australia for the first time for the Festival of Aeromodelling, as well as India, UK and Germany
A year of massive trips, travelled back to the amazing CACH in Chile, repeated Australia, first time at Rotor Live in Germany, and so much more!
Four times to Germany (JetCat Airshow, Rotor Live, Prowing and JetPower) as well as all the usuals to India, Dubai, and more
Apart from the flying and the shows, I work closely with a number of brands to develop, test and promote a series of new products. Many of these you can find within my sponsors section.
My collaboration has also extended to the well known Spanish magazine Aerotec, writing about events, models and have even had a special edition published exclusively with my articles, called the "Escuela de Acrobacia, by Martin Pickering" (Aerobatic Flight School, by Martin Pickering)