Check out Kirby’s breakdown of flying for pleasure versus going for the gold!
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Air Show: New maneuvers start at the Flying Crown Ranch! I experiment with stunts that look cool from the cockpit, but I rely on the feedback from my team on the ground!
Red Bull Air Race: There is so much preparation that goes into a race! Outside of flying the airplane, I start analyzing the race track about three weeks prior to arriving on site. I’m comparing last year’s track to this year’s and learning the new optimum flight line!
My Behind the Scenes Support
Air Show: The biggest task is making sure that the airplane is in proper working condition. Jason keeps up on all the maintenance and ensures it’s ready for the show!
Red Bull Air Race: At many of the locations, our race plane has been shipped via boat or plane and arrives in pieces. The team shows up about a week before the race to assemble the airplane. From start to finish, this takes them about six to eight hours.
Prepping for the Big Day
Air Show: If I go a week without flying, I lose my G tolerance! My biggest focus is keeping it up, which means lots of aerobatics leading up to the show. The maneuvers I fly require a range of negative 8 G’s to positive 10 G’s.
Red Bull Air Race: It is a lot of mental work! I spend a couple of hours each night reviewing time sheets and video footage from training sessions, analyzing various forms of data from the race plane (speed, how many G’s I’m pulling), and making sure I am flying the optimum line.
Why I’m Here
Air Show: I think of my airplane in the sky as a paintbrush on canvas! I’m flying for you! It’s my goal to show you something you’ve never seen an airplane do before. If you walk away saying, “I didn’t know an airplane could do that,” then I’ve done my job!
Red Bull Air Race: I have that competitive itch! It’s a race, and I’m there to win!
While You’re Watching
Air Show: Sometimes I’ll only get a few minutes with you at an organized autograph signings, while other times I get to visit you immediately after I fly! If you’re at a show, follow us on Facebook for the latest updates!
Red Bull Air Race: Along with autograph signings, visit us at the pit lane walks to get an up close view of the team hangar!
