Red Bull racers practice the basics
when red bull pilots strap on their helmets and take to the skies to fly blistering speeds at altitudes measured in individual feet, they do so knowing that their basic training has served them well.
Although they excite audiences with their extreme flying, what the pilots are really doing is practicing the same precision that student pilots strive to achieve every day. Straight and level and precise banks are two of their hallmark maneuvers. The difference is that we fly at higher altitudes and in slower airplanes. Well, that and it takes us longer than a second or two to go from level to steep bank and back. (Click the image to view it full size.)
Mike Collins
Technical Editor
Mike Collins, AOPA technical editor and director of business development, died at age 59 on February 25, 2021. He was an integral part of the AOPA Media team for nearly 30 years, and held many key editorial roles at AOPA Pilot, Flight Training, and AOPA Online. He was a gifted writer, editor, photographer, audio storyteller, and videographer, and was an instrument-rated pilot and drone pilot.
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