In this instalment of the Pilots Peep series, Total Rotor had a chat with two pilots from Rotorbayot, a group of Singapore-based pilots from the Philippines.
Our impressions of them:
Romel “VergeFPV” – “Stevie Wonder” seemed like a good fit for him. Relatively new to the hobby, he is one of the fast-improving pilots within the group. An engineer by trade, he took up quad racing and building like a duck takes to water. Not really sure what is he doing, but it seems he goes through motors as quick as someone else goes through props! It’s easy to spot him from a distance – he flies with his head turned and tilted to the left, which puzzles us as his quad is often a distance away on his right. Somebody really has to tell him the he can’t counter the tilt with his head…
Rian – We named him “Smiling Gonzales”, a perpetually smiling, insanely-fast pilot who loves taking pictures of other unwary pilots in their less-than-glamourous moments. Known to be extremely passionate and committed to the sport, he would pack airgates, race flags and racing gears into his handy trolley and trek a distance to an open field and set up a whole race track ON HIS OWN. For those who have raced with him, most would agree that he is a force to be reckoned and with admirable level of sportsmanship.
What they said about themselves:
Total Rotor: How long have you been into FPV quad racing and what got you started?
Rian: It was back in 2013 when I had my first quad – a 450 size 2X DJI frame – after I was influenced by a colleague who showed me his quad. It was a tough time then as resources and references were limited.
Romel: Just about 5 months. I kind of got into the sport by accident, when I met another pilot to collect an antenna pigtail. He was with a few others racing their quads and you could say I was hooked immediately! The pigtail was meant for a ZMR250 which I was building rather unknowingly for AP, fitted with GPS and heap of stuff that was totally useless for racing.
Total Rotor: How often do you fly?
Rian: Almost every Saturday!
Romel: Mainly weekends but I try to squeeze time during work, so the family doesn’t get neglected.
Total Rotor: And your preference – freestyle or racing?
Romel: I really enjoy doing both but if I have to choose, it’s racing. The adrenaline rush is intoxicating and a stress reliever…at least it does for me. Plus all the nice people I meet through flying – that’s even better!
Rian: More freestyle for me as I like the freedom of expression and artistic nature. Racing makes me nervous; jitters and racing don’t go well…
Total Rotor: Which part of the hobby do you enjoy more, the building or the flying?
Rian: Definitely flying. To be honest, I hate the build process!
Romel: I enjoy both parts of the hobby. Besides, the technology and works appeal to me!
Total Rotor: Do you have a vision for this hobby, whether it’s personal or for the community?
Romel: I’d love to make this a popular sport in my hometown, San Fernando, in the Philippines and to be a professional flyer one day.
Rian: Drone racing will be the sport of the future. This is a growing trend and many more people will embrace this new sport. But as I see it at the moment, the main barrier to the growth of the hobby in Singapore is the lack of support and platforms. On a personal note, I hope to be one of the people promoting the sport to the wider community and perhaps mentor new pilots.
Total Rotor: What advise will you give to new pilots or those who are interested in the sport?
Rian: It’s important to be focused and disciplined if you want to be good at this sport, both on and off flying. Push your limits and most importantly, remember to have fun!
Romel: Join a flying group. It really fast-track your learning. Be humble and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And of course put in as much flight time as you can.