Army pilot Ron Watkins and the Gazelle he flies with Jeff James. 

BRITISH team coach Ron Watkins and Jeff James, flying a Gazelle, came fifth in the German Open Helicopter Championship was held in Eisenach from 31 August to 2 September.

The British pair were invited by the German organisers to compete. Eisenbach is where next year's world championships will be staged and this was seen as a familiarisation exercise.

The core squad for the event in Eisenach has already been selected and comprises of a very strong core of David Monks, Ron Watkins, Martin Rutty and Caroline Gough - Cooper.

Collectively they have flown in 22 championships, won in 12 and secured places in 18. In 2005, Caroline Gough - Cooper and Imogen Asker retained the Ladies World Champions title with a resounding win. Team GB gained a respectable six crews in the top 15 earning fourth in the overall event.

W: www.britishhelicopterteam.co.uk