In a historic achievement for Pakistan, Aamer Waheed, a skilled pilot, clinched the 6th position in the 14th Jet World Masters competition, held recently in Italy. This marks the first time a Pakistani pilot has achieved such a significant standing in this international event.
Pakistan’s participation in this competition was notable as it was only the second time the country took part in this prestigious event, with its first appearance in China back in 2019.
Aamer Waheed, who served as both the pilot and team manager, was joined by his friend Wasif Jalil, the builder of the jet’s model, in representing Pakistan on both occasions.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Aamer Waheed spoke about the pride and honor he brought to his country through this remarkable achievement. He emphasized that success in such competitions is not a matter of chance but a result of tireless dedication.
He stated, “Aeromodellers around the world put in thousands of hours of building and hundreds of practice flights to compete at this topmost level, so it is no walk in the park. We would have been happy with a top-ten finish.”
Waheed expressed the profound sense of honor he felt while standing beneath the Pakistani flag and highlighted the unique community formed by individuals with a shared passion for this hobby.
Reflecting on the demanding nature of the hobby, he acknowledged that it requires thousands of hours devoted to building and hundreds of practice flights, which can sometimes become repetitive. However, he underlined the importance of perseverance and the value of every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
When asked about the significance of events like the Jet World Masters competition, Waheed noted that they provide a platform for hobbyists and the general public to showcase their skills and the application of cutting-edge technology in model manufacturing and flying. Additionally, he emphasized the sense of camaraderie and common interests that bring people from different countries together.
Encouraging those interested in such activities, he urged them to pursue their dreams, emphasizing that taking risks and embracing challenges is essential for personal growth and discovery.
The Jet World Masters competition, first held in 1995, has played a pivotal role in advancing model jet technology. Pilots from around the world gather to showcase their skills and compete in this sporting event, providing spectators with the opportunity to witness these marvels of technology up close.
The competition involves static judging to assess the authenticity of the model compared to the original machine, followed by flight demonstrations judged by flying experts. The world champion is determined based on a combination of static and flying points. There is also a team event where each nation’s top three pilots compete.
Beyond the competition, the Jet World Masters event is a cultural celebration, featuring an opening ceremony that welcomes teams from various countries. The event spans seven days, with communal events in the evenings, fostering international bonds among participants.
