Aerobatic Displays

SUKHOI SOLO CHAMPIONS

The World Championship heritage of the Sukhoi Aircraft is also displayed by the SUKHOI SOLO. The "monstrously powerful" Sukhoi Su-31X provides by far the highest power to weight ratio of any propeller driven aircraft, hanging from the propeller it will roll vertically several times- a real helicopter.

YAKOVLEV YAK 18T

This spectacular Yak-18T has been widely acclaimed in its fourth European Airshow seasons. This unique display has surprised many, not just for the high quality of aerobatics performed, but since it is a large five-seat touring aircraft, that it can perform such aerobatics at all ! The display aircraft has been specially modified with the installation of inverted fuel & oil systems, and is appreciably lighter by stripping out a

variety of equipment. The Yak-18T shares the same basic engine and marvellous exhaust note of the Sukhoi aerobatic aircraft, while possessing an agility that is quite incredible considering its size. As another satisfied show organiser referred to it, "Quite amazing - mini-airliner aerobatics!"

Paul is 35 years old and lives in Maidenhead, Berkshire. His flying career started in 1980 at White Waltham Airfield as a "Hangar Rat" washing and refuelling aeroplanes. Gaining a Private Pilots Licence and building up his hours he soon progressed to become a Flying Instructor. During the two years of Instructing that followed Richard Goode was kind enough (or some say stupid enough) to let Paul fly his Pitts S1. Paul became an air taxi pilot in 1985 and then in 1987 joined the Welsh charter airline Air Cymru flying the Boeing 737.

Meanwhile his aerobatic flights in Richard's Pitts were now being performed at public displays all over the UK between 1986 and 1988. More exciting aircraft soon followed with two seasons flying the Yak-50 and in 1991 the Extra 300 shortly followed by the Sukhoi 26. In 1994 Richard Goode Aerobatic Displays acquired a Sukhoi 29 which marked the start of the Sukhoi Duo which Paul leads with his wing man Warwick Brady. Paul also flies the Sukhoi 31 which he reckons is the most exciting and exhilarating aeroplane he has ever flown.

Paul Bonhomme

As for the airline bit, he is now a Captain flying 737s for British Airways from Birmingham to "anywhere in Europe", in this capacity he also converts new pilots on to the type. Other flying activities since 1991 include displaying for The Fighter Collection at Duxford on types such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustang and Bearcat.

In ten years of displaying he has flown at approximately 450 public displays but still manages to find time to list hobbies of cycling, swimming, golf (his handicap is his swing) and Summer Barbecues.

STEVE JONES

Steve is 37 years old and lives in Gloucestershire UK, employed by British Airways to fly Boeing 747s (so is his wife !) he has logged over 9500 hours of flying time.

His first aerobatics were flown in 1978 on an ageing Cessna aeroplane, an aircraft in which he would later teach aerobatics. Followed by a spell at the Tiger Club flying Stampe Biplanes introduced him to more advanced manoeuvres, but it was not until 1992 that Unlimited Level Aeros became possible with the purchase of a share in an Akro/Laser 235. Joining the British Aerobatic Team in 1994 he then acquired a Sukhoi Su-26M just six weeks before the his first World Championship.

Steve was the UK Freestyle Aerobatic Champion in 1995 and overall British Aerobatic Champion in '96.

He currently flies airshows in Sukhoi Su-26, Su-31 and Yak-18T aircraft.

Over the years various other types of flying have been explored including: glider-towing; ab-initio instructing; Air-taxi work; Executive Jets; Air-racing (winning the Kings Cup Race in 1991). In addition to 5 years being spent as an aircraft engineer.
Other interests include: skiing, vintage cars and cycling.