JEDDAH: A group of eager pilots learned the basics of flying radio-controlled aircraft when the Saudi Wireless and Remote Control Sports Federation held its first training course at its headquarters in Riyadh. The five-day event, supervised by the Leadership Institute, covered several important subjects related to the construction, maintenance and programming of radio-controlled aircraft. Trainees also used virtual-reality simulations to hone their skills, and were taught about security and safety procedures. At the end of the course, they gave an aerial display to show what they had learned. The federation’s chairman, Saud Al-Fogham, said the course is the first of its kind and an important step in teaching the skills required to use radio-controlled aircraft professionally and safely. “The course aims to introduce radio-controlled aircraft flight, its techniques and methods so as to equip trainees with the technical and mechanical aspects of this sport,” he added.