Military Racers

Flight Journal, Apr 2005 by Jones, Geoffrey P

AIR RACING HAS BEEN PART OF UK aviation since the Schneider Trophy, and the famous King's Cup Air Race is still held annually. The 2004 UK air racing championship was won by John Kelsall of Nottingham (England) flying a Vans RV-7 kit aircraft. The last of the season's seven handicap races was held on the Channel Island of Alderney on September 25 and 26 and featured a growing field of ex-military trainers.

The Scottish Aviation Bulldog, used by the RAF as well as the air forces of Sweden, Nigeria, Botswana, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Kenya, Ghana and Jordan, has found its way into civilian ownership. Bulldogs are now flown regularly by participants in UK air races. Another ex-military aircraft, an Aermacchi SF260 Warrior, still in the colors of the Burkina Faso Air Defense Force (formerly Upper Volta in Africa), joined the UK race circuit in 2004. It was flown by Geoffrey Boot and averaged 200mph during races.

It isn't quite Reno, but it is air racing; and if the handicapper gets it correct, it is very exciting.

-Text and photos by Geoffrey P. Jones