The first 12 months

In the first twelve months the intention is to go from zero hour fixed wing pilot to successful competition aerobatic pilot. The ultimate goal for the first stage of the project is the British National Aerobatic Championships in 2009.

Ultimate High, based at Kemble Airfield, is a highly regarded advanced flying training school, specialising in aerobatics and formation flying. I have secured agreement with Ultimate High to complete my initial fixed wing private pilot’s license training in one of their Bulldog aircraft.
Beyond that initial course, further aerobatic training and mentoring will take place under the supervision of Mark Greenfield, the owner of Ultimate High. Mark is a former RAF fast jet pilot, hugely experienced aerobatic instructor and current display pilot.

After spending the winter getting up to speed with basic aerobatic manoeuvres, I will enter my first competition, at beginner level, in April 2009. These beginner days are sponsored by LOOP magazine and provide a structured introduction to the world of competition aerobatic flying. The LOOP sponsorship will ensure good media exposure.

There are four levels of competition in aerobatic flying; Standard, Intermediate, Advanced and Unlimited. For each of the four there are annual National Championships and for the latter two, Advanced and Unlimited, there are biennial European and World competitions.

During the course of the summer I will enter five further high profile aerobatic competitions at Standard level. This summer series will culminate with the British National Championships in August 2009.

2009 Calendar

April 18 LOOP Beginner’s Day
May 15-17 Fenland and McAully Trophies
May 29-30 Golding Barrett Trophy
June 19 On-Track Trophy
July 24-25 Kernow and Gunpowder Trophies
August 27-29 British National Championships.

Beyond 2009

Having completed a successful summer series and done well in the British National Championships, I would then look to maintain momentum by stepping up through the levels of aerobatic competition, to Intermediate in 2010 and then on to Advanced in 2011.

The ultimate aim is to qualify, through the National Championships in 2011, for the British team to be entered in the European Aerobatic Championships the following year.