Brown would like to see model helicopter flying “take off" to the level of freestyle motor cross. Model heli flying is aggressive and something the public don’t often see. Gone are the days of flying straight and low. Until you see it, you just don’t realise it.”

Brown’s flying style certainly reflects his view of model helicopter flying. Straight and low is probably the only manoeuvre he does not action.

Currently in his fourth and final year of Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University, Brown admits that he used to carefully budget his money in order to afford the model helicopter interest.

Luckily for Brown, he was noticed by certain manufacturing companies whilst competing - and winning - national 3D titles and is now sponsored for the majority of his helicopter maintenance. This includes the helicopter fuel which can cost 50 Australian dollars for 4 Litres in retail stores.

According to the majority of the WMHC members, enormous amounts of money are spent on all manner of hobbies and interests. Brown explains that with regard to model helicopter flying, “beer comes second.”

Later this year Brown will be flying to England, competing in the International 3D Masters. Brown admits that although he is proud of the model helicopter sport, “it’s different coming from motocross which is so much more in the public eye and such a man’s sport.” Brown continues, stating that model helicopter flying is “like artistic aerobatics, it’s a mental achievement rather than a physical one.”

Brown says, “if you can fly a computer simulator then you can fly the real thing.”

Brown adds, “It’s not a myth, [model helicopters] can be flown fairly easily and they’re not expensive to fix either. An average crash will cost you about $100. Crash it once or twice learning to fly and it’ll cost you $200. With other extreme sports you’ll be buying motorbikes worth $10 000 and the maintenance costs are never ending. Heli’s really are a one time investment.”

Most Sundays club Vice President; Alex Genovese attends Whiteman Park with his wife Kathy and son Alex Jr, enjoying the sunshine and close-knit community WMHC has to offer.

Mr and Mrs Genovese proudly make known that they are waiting for the day where young Alex Jr will be old enough to partake in model helicopter flying. Currently Alex Jr tinkers with his plastic toy helicopter, taking it apart and reassembling whilst watching dad fly - from a safe distance of course.

Visit the Whiteman Model Helicopter Club website to find out more information on becoming part of the WMHC family, an exciting Sunday adventure for the entire family.