Mangaluru : The manoeuvres of an F-16 model were no different from that of the original. Bengalurean Kumar V. Rao displayed his expertise in flying the model and gave engineering students the real feel of the flight of F-16 fighter jet.

He showed his skills during the aero model display by the Mangalore Flyers Club as part of the two-day national aero modelling competition ‘Aerophila 2016’, which began at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Adyar on Friday.

Nearly 25 teams from Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology and other engineering colleges are participating.

The first one was the display of 3D flying aero-plane. Students were thrilled to see this model spin and also fly upside down in the sky. There were also displays of Ticarno and Adarsh-Helicam air planes.

There were some problems for the enthusiasts to show their skills of flying these ready-to-fly models because of the climate. A member of the Club said humid climate and frequent change of wind direction were hindrances.

The two-day competition was inaugurated by Aravindh A.V and Chinmaya C, the Engineers from Aeronautical Development Agency involved development of Light Combat Aircraft for the defence forces.

Mr. Aravindh said involving in aero modelling gives the first-hand information in making of aircraft. The knowledge gained stands them in good stead while developing new aircraft, said Mr. Aravindh, who has participated in many aero-modelling competitions during his engineering days.

Mr. Chinmaya said there was lot of scope for young engineers from aeronautical science and other streams as the Central Government was laying more emphasis on ‘Make In India”.