Passing the Red Bull pilot test

September 29, 2008—Five out of six pilots passed a week of training and testing for the right to compete in the 2009 Red Bull Air Race World Championship. But that doesn’t mean they’re assured a spot in the air race competition. The five pilots—Matt Hall, 37, of Australia; Pete McLeod, 24, of Canada; Francois Le Vot, 38, of France; Matthias Dolderer, 38, of Germany; and Yoshihide Muroya, 35, of Japan—were awarded the “Super License” at the Air Race qualification camp over the weekend. The license is needed for entry into the race, and means that they are on standby and would be “race ready” within two weeks if required. Although they have the license, it is still too early to tell if they will earn a spot. How many, if any, rookies will get the chance to compete will be decided later. “I knew that the pilots were all at a very high level going into the camp because we’ve been working with them in training for the last year,” said Red Bull Air Race Aviation Director Heinz Moeller. “But … we were all positively surprised how concentrated they were, how well they performed in all areas and how well they took the critiques on board. Their skill level is so high that they could all step up into the race without any problem whatsoever. It’s truly an impressive bunch.” The pilots, who have been preparing for the camp for the last year, had to demonstrate to the judges that they had the skill to handle the low level aerial track and negotiate the air gates, but also that they can also deal with all the rigors of being a full-time Red Bull Air Race pilot competing in the global championship. Only one pilot, Sami Kontio, 36, of Finland, narrowly missed out on being awarded the license. “I didn’t make it but I gave it my best and I’ll just keep trying,” said Kontio, 36. “It’s still my dream to get into the race.”

Five pilots earned their “Super License” needed for entry into the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. Photo: Red Bull 2007 series champion Mike Mangold competing at Detroit earlier this year.

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