AP Rotterdam, Netherlands. Jun 12, 2005
VICTORY NEARLY ENDS IN DISASTER
Ace competition pilot Staiduk nearly lost his life today while flying in the world famous Red Bull air race; in Rotterdam, Holland.
The race pits pilots against the clock in a terrifying, low-level obstacle course.
Staiduk, flying a vintage Gee Bee R6, clipped the water with his propeller while crossing the last pylon. By dint of his incredible flying skill; the veteran racer was able to glide the damaged aircraft safely back to the airport.
"I've had easier wins," the vicorious Staiduk said later in an interview, "Ya gotta admit - it makes for great pictures!"
Never has this reporter seen such courage or coolness in the face of extreme danger. Such a man will surely go down in the annals of aviation history!
And no - he didn't pay me to say that. Really!
Whew - THAT was a nailbiter! Not that I was about to let that weaslly reporter know that I had to change my shorts, of course. (The two hundred bucks and case of scotch didn't hurt the writeup either.
)The R6 is an incredibly fast airplane; but compared to other planes that fly this course; it's HUGE - those bloody great wheel pants don't help either. I forgot that - and almost paid bigtime.
Taking off from Rotterdam.The Red Bull is of course an insane course; but I felt confident - the GB R6; while squirrely, is nevertheless a trustworthy plane to fly if you treat her with respect. After overflying the course and giving the wing-flick which indicated the sart of my run; I hit the smoke and rolled into the course.
Diving to the bridge - the start line.
Under the bridge at 350mph.You're not really flying at this point - you're hanging on for dear life. The Gee Bee is shaking like a demon and howling like a banshee - the slightest twitch on the stick causes the plane to leap wildly. It's insane - it's glorious!!!
Past the first 3 pylons; making the turn for the last two.
Through pylon 4; only pylon 5 left. It's a tricky one - just off-center; requiring a quick right-left S-turn. That's what almost got me.
PROP STRIKE!Fortunately; 300mph+ builds up a LOT of inertia; and I struck less than 10m from the last pylon. I was able to climb over the bridge and back up to a half-decent altitude. Purely on instinct - my brain was still going "WHHOOOAAAA!!!!!"
Fortunately; Rotterdam Intl. is right beside the river. I was able to turn for the airport and land on one of the disuded grass strips.
Gliding to safety.THAT was a rush - The trophy is great; the prize money more than pays for the damage to the prop - and none of the scantily-clad Red Bull girls got a sniff of the cockpit before I was able to change my flightsuit.
Cheers!
