I’ve been a professional aerobatic pilot for 45 years now and have loved every moment! Over those decades I’ve flown formation and solo sequences at hundreds of public air displays across the globe, performed aerobatics to support commercial marketing campaigns, and worked on major film productions and aviation projects. Since 2003 I’ve focussed on aerobatic coaching at all levels and in numerous countries, mostly with aircraft owners at their own location but also from Denham Airfield with the Extra 300.
It all began at Redhill Aerodrome when, aged just 16 and clutching an Air Cadet’s glider licence, I blagged my way onto a Scouts outing to meet the The Tiger Club. For the next 11 years I headed to the airfield at every available moment while studying engineering, working in London and Paris and acquiring my PPL. There I was incredibly lucky to be mentored by some of the country’s elite aerobatic pilots, including the great Neil Williams. I was constantly dazzled with their displays of consummate skill and superlative handling skills. I had a lot of fun entering air racing and amateur aerobatic contests, but I focussed relentlessly on learning aerobatic techniques from the great masters.
I turned professional in 1977 when Ford Tractors invited me to support their European tours with an aerobatic display in the Pitts Special. My subsequent freelancing years also involved solo and formation work with commercial clients and display teams, some big-screen movie work and a handful of exciting training projects.
By the early 1980s I realised how much I wanted to run my own formation team and create a display that was unique – something different from the fast, noisy aircraft that dominated the air shows. I set up the Skyhawk Aerobatic Display Team and developed a graceful two-ship, and then three-ship, “aerial ballet” of Fournier motor-gliders set to Pink Floyd music. It was hugely popular, and over the next decade we performed at some 1,200 local and international airshows.
After a short break (when I tried my hand, unsuccessfully, at doing proper jobs!) I teamed up with the legendary Brian Lecomber and his Firebird Aerobatic Team. Together we delivered an immensely challenging and admired duo display in the enhanced Extra 300L.
Since 2003 I have focussed on coaching aerobatics at all levels. Some of my clients learn just for the challenge, some have developed their skills to become championship contenders at international level, and others have followed the path of self-expression to become accomplished display pilots in their own right. All of them, without question, demonstrate a passion to succeed, and a commitment to excellence, and it is immensely rewarding for me to be a part of that process.
I am currently a CAA Display Evaluator, part of Ultimate Aerobatics formation coaching team, and Safety Director for the annual Air Race Championships in Portugal.