Competition sponsored Pilots

Late 2007 and early 2008 Horizon Hobby UK decided to sponsor two up and coming young pilots Matthew Poots and Steve Mallinder in the highly demanding world of competition flying. The decision to offer sponsorship was three-fold, firstly it would enable these pilots to compete with the assurance that they would not have to bear the full cost of participating at competition level, secondly it would allow the pilots to realise their full potential by competing regularly in competitions, and thirdly it would give us an added insight into how our products would stand up to the rigours of competition flying as opposed to the slightly less demanding role of sport flying.

So who are these pilots and what type of competitions they participate in? Well, Matthew Poots competes in IMAC aerobatics and UMAC Helicopter Competitions
and Steve Mallinder competes in IMAC and Artistic Aerobatics 

Each of these disciplines requires skill, dedication and commitment from the pilots and just as importantly equipment that can be relied on to function reliably time after time, and it is in this area that Horizon Hobby believes we can achieve mutual success.

Matthew Poots  
Born: June 1985, Northern Ireland
Star Sign: Cancer
Flying since: 1996
First Plane: 3 channel Yamamoto with an Enya 35. Originally my dads from the 80’s and still flying in our club.
Favourite plane: Extra
Favourite show: BMFA Nationals
Favourite flying style: IMAC aerobatics
Tips:
Practice, Practice, Practice but always have fun at the end of it all! Pass on the knowledge as there isn’t much point in having it if you can’t help others!!
 

Planes I have at the moment:

Outdoors

Extra 260
Funtana

Foamies
Bypyak
Tribute 3D
Extra 260


Outside interests
Badminton
Running...walking (mainly walking!!!)
Work

Favourite film:
300

Music:
Rock

Food:
A good steak!

Favourite animal:
dogs

 
Competition Results
Competition NIAA Aerobatics   Plane flown 40% Extra 300
Location Ballymoney, N. Ireland on 8th June 2008   Radio Spektrum DSM2 DX7
Position attained 1st Place Open Class      
Award/prize NIAA Competition Shield      
Competition IMAC UK   Plane flown 40% Extra 300 (Unlimited) / 35% Votec 322 (Freestyle)
Location Tholthorpe, near York  on 28th & 29th June 2008   Radio Spektrum DSM2 DX7
Position attained 2nd Place Unlimited / 2nd Place Freestyle      
Award/prize IMAC UK Competition Shields      
Competition IMAC UK   Plane flown 40% Extra 260 (Unlimited) / 35% Votec 322 (Freestyle)
Location Weeton, near Blackpool  on 4th May 2008   Radio Spektrum DSM2 DX7
Position attained 1st Place Unlimited / 1st Place Freestyle      
Award/prize IMAC UK Competition Shield and BMFA Certificate      
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