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Post by Simonjg on Oct 23, 2006 21:34:13 GMT 12
Richard Hood (Pitts Display pilot ZK-EES) makes the big time. He has passed the Red Bull Rookie school. He now needs to get a competitive plane and he will be off traveling the world representing NZ.
Congratulations Richard
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Post by flyjoe180 on Oct 24, 2006 15:01:31 GMT 12
Yeah, well done Richard! Heard about some of the stuff he had to do for the course, no easy feat from what i can gather. Awesome news, and great to see a Kiwi in the race.
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Post by DragonflyDH90 on Oct 24, 2006 18:19:29 GMT 12
This is some of the best news I have heard for a while. Well done Richard.....
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Post by xr6turbo1 on Oct 24, 2006 18:23:06 GMT 12
WOW that \s great news, well done to him, any idea of what kind of aircraft he would like to race?  |
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virgil
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 3
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Post by virgil on Oct 24, 2006 19:09:13 GMT 12
Great stuff Richard. Congratulations and hope to see you racing soon
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Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 26, 2006 16:02:23 GMT 12
This is brilliant news, well done Richard. His flying is always top notch, I loved his display at Tauranga back in February in the Pitts.
Congratulations to him. I wonder if he could be persuaded to join the forum and keep us updated on the races and training etc.
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Post by Citabria on Oct 30, 2006 12:16:08 GMT 12
Wow, I'm impressed ! I'll have to be nicer to him at the bar, you know those Red Bull guys can really pull the chicks  What's involved with the Red Bull School? |
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Post by Barnsey on Oct 30, 2006 12:37:55 GMT 12
Money!!! But that's just the green-eyed monster speaking. I'd love to have the financial ability to give the air-racing scene a go (as would most, I imagine!)
I've conveniently managed to get a trip over to Perth at the time of the race there, so I'm really looking forward to checking it out first hand.
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Post by Simonjg on Oct 31, 2006 0:16:05 GMT 12
Green eyed ignorant monster is probably correct (and probably vote for Helen). Dreams, time, skill, lots of passion & dedication makes you a winner. Not money.
NZ is the world of knockers some times.
I am sure I will be able to get Richard to join and fill you all in.
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Post by Barnsey on Oct 31, 2006 10:01:57 GMT 12
I apologise that my comment could be interpreted as meaning the only thing required was money. This wasn't my intention, as it is already apparent that he has all the personal attributes you mention and has made it as a fine aerobatic display pilot in NZ. I was most certainly not knocking him, and to repeat - I am jealous of him and what he has achieved.
Surely, you must agree that display aviation is an expensive hobby and not many have the financial backing (be it personal funds or sponsorship) to go full time. I'd argue that the effort required to arrange for and keep sponsors on side would often surpass the effort on the flying side of the business. As you say, a competitive aircraft is required to be a winner, as well as a support team. An Edge 540 costs around US$250k, there's regular international travel and accommodation, maintenance, team costs etc etc. I wonder what percentage of those who pass the rookie school make it to be a regular fixture on the racing circuit? Again, this not a comment on Richard's situation but my own realisation of the hurdles faced. If (when!) Richard can get it happening, then hats off to him. If not, good on him for trying.
Barnsey
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Post by Simonjg on Oct 31, 2006 16:42:29 GMT 12
Hey Barnsey no apology necessary, it’s what makes the forum go round. I totally agree display aviation is an expensive hobby I guess that’s why I live in a shed instead of a house; that’s what normal people do I believe!!
On a separate note I am currently trying to get a sponsor for our team to take our airplane to Reno Air Races 2008 which believe me is not easy. Lots of knock backs but I haven’t given up yet.
Let’s hope Richard makes it all the way putting the Kiwis on the map. With the skill he has I would be putting my money on him.
Simon
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Post by corsair67 on Oct 31, 2006 17:57:12 GMT 12
Good luck with the 2008 Reno attempt, Simon. I'd be good to see some Kiwis having a go at knocking those Yanks off their perch! ;D
Have any other New Zealanders ever been involved in the Reno races before?
I think that trying to get the financial backing to represent the country in something other than bloody rugby union is one of the big problems facing many Kiwis.
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Post by Simonjg on Oct 31, 2006 20:10:12 GMT 12
No Kiwi entry has flown in the Reno races yet.
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Post by xr6turbo1 on Oct 31, 2006 20:20:29 GMT 12
Good Luck with your efforts. I am sure there is a willing sponsor out there somewhere. Would be great if you could update us if it does happen as I would go over for a few days just to see you guys fly at the event. |
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Post by rbwannabe on Oct 31, 2006 22:56:40 GMT 12
Firstly thanks very much for the encouraging words. To say that the last few weeks have been different is somewhat of an understatement.
A background is probably required. Claus Petry who resides sometimes in Nelson and sometimes in Germany is the owner of a Pitts and fly¡¦s in the New Zealand comps He is a friend of Claus Schrodt (current race Pilot). Claus (S) asked Claus (P) on behalf of Red Bull for a list of suitable pilots from the current unlimited ranks in New Zealand. For whatever reason I was asked to submit an application to attend the rookie camp. Which was eventually accepted?
A mad rush with the help of many people helping ensued to arrange time off work, aircraft, transport etc eventually culminated in me arriving in Casa Grande, just south of Phoenix. Red Bull used Kirby Chambliss¡¦s strip as the base for not only the rookie camp but also to requalify three of the current race pilots. It was a full race course; setup exactly the same as in Bucharest (without the bridge).
Seven Pilots attended but only four of us got to fly. The other three, including Claus (P) had documentation problems which prevented them from flying, it is hoped that they will get a chance to qualify shortly (Perth and Spain).
The other three included the current World champ, the European champ, and the past World advanced champ.
Under the watchful eye of Kirby and Mike Mangold we had to show that we were capable of this style of flying, with the emphasis on safety, very different and very exciting.
At the end of the (five day) course we all managed to qualify (some of us even managed to get through without hitting anything ļ).
Because of the other Pilots having to get checked out I now have to wait until the end of the race in Perth before I know if I am to race.
In the meantime I have had to submit a race plan etc, I hope to race an Extra 300SP (which leaves Germany today!) a modified lightened 300S with 330HP AEIO 580 in it.
If anyone had asked me five weeks ago what I would be doing now, I would have told them they were crazy. I have been very, very lucky to have been given this opportunity and very grateful for all the support.
Even if I don¡¦t get in I have still had the pleasure of being allowed to legally race around at about 30¡¦ at high speed through a pylon course. It was pretty cool.
Cheers
Richard
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Post by xr6turbo1 on Nov 1, 2006 6:09:09 GMT 12
Well done Richard, what a great acheivement. I hope all goes well and you start racing soon. Great Stuff and I bet it was very demanding flying |
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Post by planeimages on Nov 1, 2006 19:31:24 GMT 12
We'll be rooting for you in Perth... proverbially anyway! A big team from NSW and Victoria will be going. The Peninsula Aero Club group of about 10 are flying over in a Navajo. Stewart and Wendy Wilson from Aero Australia will be there on Thursday evening while and my wife, Gaye, and I are leaving on Friday night.
We will look out for you during the "Paddock" walk-around on Sunday.
Pip Borrman is scheduled to fly some demos so long as the WA people continue to honour his low-level authority.
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Post by xr6turbo1 on Nov 1, 2006 21:00:20 GMT 12
When is the Perth round? |
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Post by Bruce on Nov 1, 2006 21:57:50 GMT 12
Great stuff Richard, great to have you on board! That sounds like one hot rocket ship you have on order there, have a great time with it. I'm sure all the sport aviators of NZ will be proud to yell and scream for you. best wishes for the future.
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Post by planeimages on Nov 1, 2006 23:46:24 GMT 12
Perth is on November 18/19.
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