Red Bull pilot Matthias Dolderer offers plane on James (interview and videos inside)
November 1, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
The Red Bull Air Race is probably one of the most exciting competitions around – certainly in the aviation circuit – and has quickly grown to become the premier organization for aerobatic shenanigans. Each year, thousands of fans from around the world gather to catch a glimpse of the insanity high-flying feats. We’re all about events like these, even if we personally won’t be taking part anytime soon (insurance premiums would go through the roof), but luckily, there are people far more skilled than us that will.
One such man is Germany’s Matthias Dolderer, who was willing to only to share some of his thoughts on the field, but also personally offer his trusty Zivko Edge 540 for sale, a no-nonsense aerobatic plane that is the vehicle of choice for many Red Bull Air Race pilots.
James: How did you get into the Red Bull circuit? What does your aviation background look like?
Matthias: Flying has been my passion from the very first moment and my inspiration. I grew up on my parent’s airfield and spent nearly my whole life in the cockpit. In 2006 I intensified my aerobatic activities to become an Red Bull Air Race pilot. The terms of admission are the same than in Formula One. After hard training camps and achievements in international aerobatics competition I got my super license, the ticket for the world’s greatest sport. Finally in 2009 I joined the Red Bull Air Race as a rookie. 2010 was my second season.
James: In order to have an edge in competitions like these, what is required of a plane in terms of performance?
Matthias: A race plane needs to be very fast and maneuverable with a very quick acceleration. The Edge 540 V3 is tailor-made for this. Due to its state-of-the-art aerodynamics the V3 keeps up the speed even after high G-turns.
James: Tell us more about the Zivko Edge 540.
Matthias: It’s the fastest Edge available on the market and made for pure fun. It has a powerful 350+ hp engine tuned by the experts of Ly-Con. And it’s brand new. I’m only selling it cause I’ve a second Edge. The handling characteristic is compareable with a formula-race-car, it reacts very sensitive on the controls, it´s aerodynamicly well balanced, has a full symmetric airfoil-design. I have flown more than 100 types of airplanes, this one is the most fun machine I have flown so far.
James: What’s next for you?
Matthias: The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will take a years break in 2011 to restructure the organisation. I’ll use the time to return back to to the international air show circuit. I’m looking forward to focus on freestyle displays again.
Matthias’ Zivko Edge is currently available right here on JamesList, take a look at the listing for more information and additional pictures. Also, be sure to check out the videos below.
Source: James Spotting
