Red Bull Air Race
If you're a thrill seeker who is drawn to Melbourne, you may consider taking a flight to Perth on your way to Melbourne, after your Melbourne visit or somewhere in the middle. The thing is, you do not wish to miss this Red Bull Air Race which will take place November 3-4, 2007. A low cost round trip flight from Melbourne to Perth could cost you ~$400. How did I hear about this riveting experience? Why would you turn your head?
The Avalon airshow took place March 20-26 outside of Melbourne and while helping out with air crew matters all that week, I discovered this colorful tent promoting Perth and the air race that I hadn't heard of before. In 2006, over 300,000 people visited Perth to witness this high-speed event. 14 pilots from different countries took turns flying planes through a course designed to challenge their skills and dazzle the crowds. How often do you witness planes flying near you at speeds which will boggle your mind?
The Red Bull Air Race prize money isn't a lot. Perth actually negotiated to get the last of 9 races in the 2007 international competition which spans a number of continents. Other cities worldwide will bid for 2008 race hosting privileges. Pilots who fly in this race are often involved as a hobby. They fund themselves. Sponsors may help, but contracted stunt pilots wouldn't likely compete in a race with little prize money. Companies aren't traditionally motivated to sponsor pilots in exchange for little public relations and advertising. Yet, this could change. Media coverage of and interest in air races is growing.
One Dutch competitor in 2006 is a dance instructor in his regular day job. A number of the acrobatic pilots have historically been commercial pilots. This work has predictable rules that don't trigger the rush pilots get when flying this kind of race. One female Russian pilot was almost involved in 2007, but her knowledge of English was not considered good enough to understand flight instructions and the language of the competition. She was invited to re-apply.
Watching other people live out their dreams is a great way to ignite your own. Share the energy and recognize the unusual skills out that which inpire each of us to go a bit further in our own lives. After all, are you really living on the edge? You don't have to aim to become a stunt pilot. What is it that drives you? Living vicariously though others? You may wish to live life differently than you do now.
http://www.westernaustralia.com/redbullairrace/
