The World Aerobatic Championship 2009

This week I found myself in an enviable position. The company I work for was one of the sponsors of The World Aerobatic Championship being held at Silverstone and I got the chance to work behind the scenes and enjoy corporate hospitality.

On Thursday I was on-site helping support the IT infrastructure for Flying Aces, the organisers of WAC 2009. The IT equipment for timing, TV and general office work had been set up by Ben and James earlier in the week and it was just a matter of jumping in when something went wrong. This left plenty of time for watching the flying and even to have a flight in the Q liveried SBACH 342.

Our pilot Andy took me through some 'gentle' aerobatics - absolutely awesome! I even got the chance to fly for a while - really very different to my usual PA28. I climbed at my usual rate and Andy kept telling me to pull the nose up until I felt like we would fall out of the sky! Silly of course since I later saw this plane climb vertically (as did all of the others). The ten minute flight over the Northamptonshire countryside seemed so short.

From WAC 2009

More photos under the WAC 2009 link including lots of competitor aircraft on the ground and in the huge tent hangers.

Friday saw the corporate day. I was feeling quite at home as the Ultimate High chaps from Kemble were taking our important visitors for flights.