Hall of Fame -> Alf Leong

Alf Leong

Alfred Leong was a founding member of the Hamilton Model Aero Club in 1932. During the Second World War he served with the R.N.Z.A.F. and after the war was instrumental in reforming the Hamilton Model Aero Club. He remained a member of this club until he passed away in 1988 he was the club Recording Officer until the early 1950's. Alf never aspired to administrative positions in the club or to N.Z.M.A.A. because of a concern to avoid a conflict of interest with his business activities.

Alf's first major achievement was in 1938 when his model was flown in the Moffett Trophy in the U.S.A. His next was in 1940 when he flew in the indoor event at the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington. He was the National Champion at this event.

Alf was Champion of Champion at the second Nationals at Hamilton in 1949-50. Alf represented New Zealand in Wakefield at World Championships in 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1961.

Alf was an ardent Free Flight modeller and had numerous successes at local and national levels over the years. Including A2, Gas, Payload, Chuck Glider, as well as Wakefield. Also a very competitive Control Line flyer, Alf performed with distinction as an Aerobatic and Speed flyer and held New Zealand speed records. He was known for his distinctive style, flying control-line models clockwise, opposite to the present accepted norm.

In 1969, 1970, 1971 1972 he was a team member contesting Trans Tasman Radio Control Aerobatics in competitions in Australia and New Zealand.

In 1972, 1973, 1974 he was a New Zealand team member flying Radio Control Pylon Racing. Alf could be considered the Father of Pylon Racing in New Zealand as he was one of the earliest proponents of the class. He encouraged others to compete and enjoys the thrills and put a lot of effort into promoting the event, his kitset Pylon Racer was just one of his promotional efforts.

At club level, A.P.M.A.A. and Nationals level, Alf supplied cups, trophies and prizes for many events. A good supporter of all our activities.

People do not realise, that if it had not been for Alf Leong's ingenuity and talent in making accessories and parts, their participation in a great many modelling activities would have been seriously curtailed during the years of N.Z. import restrictions. A man with modest outlook he was a meticulous craftsman with great patience who gave so much to New Zealand Aeromodelling.
 

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