Competing aircraft depart at different times worked out by the handicapper

Fancy some air racing?

Fancy some air racing?
Join in the 75th anniversary of the prestigious Achneider Trophy Air Races at Bembridge

AIR RACE SCHOOL:
Club: Royal Aero Club
Airfield: North Weald
Where: 3.5NM SE of Harlow
Runways: 02/20, 13/31
Facilities: Resturant, fuel, maintenance
Contact: Roger Hayes
Tel: 01285 851311
Web: www.airraceuk.com
 
THIS year is the 75^th anniversary of the Schneider Trophy Air Races, first run in 1931 and later won by the British in perpetuity after three consecutive wins.

The Breitling-sponsored race is one of many prestigious Air Races held on an annual basis at seven venues around the UK, Northern France, the Channel Isles and Ireland. The events are held over a weekend with a race on each day, practice sessions in the mornings, and usually with a social event on the Saturday night.

The races are handicapped to allow any aircraft capable of at least 100mph to compete on an equal basis. Each aircraft’s maximum speed is computed against the other competitors and the start staggered, slowest first, fastest last.

If every pilot flew a perfect race they would all cross the finish line at the same time but, of course, that doesn’t happen. Finishes can be close though with the first three or four aircraft diving for the line less than ten seconds apart.

The organiser, the Royal Aero Club’s Records Racing & Rally Association (known as the ‘3Rs’), wants to make the coming season a year to remember and is seeking new race pilots and navigators. A good start for anyone interested would be the Royal Aero Club’s one day Air Race School being held at North Weald Airfield on 30 and 31 March 2006.

The one-day course covers everything you need to know about competing, from how the races operate to documentation required, tactics and airmanship. It’s also a lot of fun! The day finishes with a mock air race in either your own aircraft or one provided by the 3Rs with an experienced race pilot. The 3Rs can also provide ‘mentor support’ for the first few races.

The Air Race School costs £30 for pilots/£15 for navigators plus appropriate aircraft usage. If you cannot provide your own aircraft, a Pup 150 or Bulldog race aircraft is available at cost from Skysport UK, which helps to organise the event.

To take part in the Air Race school, contact Roger Hayes:
T: 01285 851 311
E: ,
A: 3Rs, Three Ways Cottage, Ampney Crucis, Gloucestershire GL7 5RZ.
Find out more about air racing at the 3R’s W: www.airraceuk.com

As well as racing, you get to visit some great airfields! This is Compton Abbas

Vans R-7 builder John Kelsall won the Schneider Trophy in 2004. Breitling sponsors the event

Bembridge saw the return of the Schneider Trophy Air Race two years ago

13-14 May, Le Treport, France. Saturday, Michel Dore Trophy/Vic Davies Trophy. Sunday, Battle of Britain Trophy (Championship Race).

10-11 June, Compton Abbas. Saturday, City Livery Trophy. Sunday, Goodyear Challenge Trophy (Championship Race).

1-2 July, Sywell. Saturday, Gaelic Hunter Trophy. Sunday, SBAC Trophy (Championship Race).

12-13 August, Shobdon. Saturday, Beverley Snook Memorial Trophy (Championship Race). Sunday, King’s Cup.

2-3 September, Bembridge. Saturday, Airborne Trophy. Sunday, 75th Anniversary Schneider Trophy(Championship Race).

23-24 September, Alderney. Saturday, Flightline Cup & Eagle Airways Cup. Sunday, Aurigny Air Services Trophy (Championship Race).