A GIFTED Rainworth model plane designer is flying high after he was crowned model aircraft world champion.
Sky-high Daniel Billam (16), of Rugby Road, beat off competitors from 13 other nations to be named the number one model plane engineer at the World Championships in Germany.
He walked off with the coveted title after designing a plane, with a two-me
tre wingspan, capable of flying for three minutes during seven different time-trial rounds.
This week the former Joseph Whitaker School pupil told Chad that he was on 'cloud nine' following his success.
"It feels really great and is a fantastic achievement," he said.
"I have worked very hard to get to this stage and am over the moon.
"It takes five or six hours to get the plane flying properly and around five weeks to build –– but it has all been worth it.
"Building model aircrafts is something I really love doing.
"I have been doing this since I was six and it is a great way of spending some quality time with my family and seeing the world."
Now Daniel, who has just started a job as a civil engineer, is looking forward to defending his cherished crown in Poland.
"I am confident that I can defend my title and am really looking forward to the championships," he said.
"My new job will hopefully teach me some new skills to help me make my planes even better."
