Matthias Dolderer (born 15 September 1970 in Ochsenhausen, Baden Württemberg) is a German professional race pilot.[1] He is the 2016 champion of the Red Bull Air Race.

Mattias Dolderer
Born
(1970-09-15) 15 September 1970 (age 54)
Nationality Germany
Websitematthiasdolderer.com
2017 Red Bull Air Race of Chiba - N721MD

Flying career

edit

Beginnings

edit

Dolderer, who once colourfully compared the precision-flying of the Red Bull Air Race to trying to park a car in a garage while travelling at nearly 400 kilometres per hour, first went flying with his father when he was three years old. He was raised at his parents' flight school and at the early age of five became hooked on machines and fast cars making his first solo flight at 14. His life has revolved around aviation ever since. "Flying was my passion from the very first moment and my inspiration. I've spent my whole life in hangars, on airfields and in cockpits," says Dolderer.

He gained a glider and ultralight license at the age of 17 and the following year obtained his private pilot's license. Just a few days later he finished 3rd in the German Championships. From 1988 until 1991, Matthias Dolderer took part in four German and two European Championships, and the World Championships as a member of the national ultralight team. He ended his ultralight aviator career as the German Champion.

At 21 he became the youngest flight teacher in Germany. He and his sister Verena took over Tannheim Airfield to continue their family's vision: 'To establish a meeting place for aviators, enthusiasts, amateurs as well as professionals.' The legendary Tannkosh event, Europe's biggest Fly-In, became a reality in 1993.

Dolderer has spent almost 300 days of his life in the cockpit in more than 150 different aircraft types, with 25,000 landings all over the world and has performed in many air shows across Europe since 1993. In 2002 he became an official pilot of the Flying Bulls [de; fr], Austria, where he still performs with different aircraft.[2]

Competition aerobatics

edit

In 2006, Matthias Dolderer intensified his aerobatic activities to become a Red Bull Air Race pilot in the near future. Just one year later, he took part at the World Aerobatic Championship, category "Unlimited". In 2008, Dolderer made his breakthrough after hard training. He won the German Aerobatic Championship and achieved also top standings at international competitions such as the World Aerobatics Cup.

Red Bull Air Race pilot

edit

Matthias Dolderer's achievements opened him the way for an invitation to attend the Red Bull Air Race qualification camp in Casarrubios, Spain, at the end of September 2008. Of the six candidates, five qualified for the "super license" required to compete in the world championship. Matthias Dolderer was one of four rookies selected for active race status. He flies a white Zivko Edge 540 V3 with the German colours of red, black and yellow on his tail and winglets. He flies under the number 21.

Achievements

edit

2009-2010

edit
  Matthias Dolderer
at the Red Bull Air Race World Championship
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Points Wins Rank
2009  
11th
 
13th
 
13th
 
5th
 
6th
 
3rd
23 0 9th
2010  
7th
 
7th
 
10th
 
5th
 
10th
 
7th
26 0 8th

2014-

edit
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Points Wins Rank
2014  
6th
 
9th
 
8th
 
11th
 
4th
 
4th
 
3rd
 
11th
21 0 7th
2015  
9th
 
3rd
 
6th
 
7th
 
10th
 
6th
 
5th
 
3rd
26 0 5th
2016  
2nd
 
1st
 
8th
 
1st
 
2nd
 
2nd
 
1st
 
CAN
80,25 3 1st
2017  
4th
 
3rd
 
4th
 
13th
 
10th
 
8th
 
12th
 
2nd
39 0 7th
2018  
13th-DNF
 
2nd
 
8th
 
DNS
 
13th
 
9th
 
11th
 
13th
17 0 12th
2019  
11th
3 0 11th

Legend: * CAN: Cancelled * DNP: Did not take part * DNS: Did not start * DSQ: Disqualified * DNF: Did not finish

2008

  • European Aerobatic Championships, "Unlimited" Category, 19th place
  • World Aerobatics Cup, Czech Republic, "Unlimited" Category, 2nd place
  • German Aerobatic Championships, "Unlimited" Category, 1st place
  • German Aerobatic Championships, 4-minute freestyle program, 2nd place
  • Qualified at the Red Bull Air Race Qualification Camp and selected to race in 2009

2007

  • Participation German Aerobatic Championships "Unlimited" Category
  • Participation World Aerobatics Championships "Unlimited" Category

2006

  • Participation German Aerobatic Championship, "Advanced" Category

1991

  • Microlight European Championships, German Champion

1990

  • Microlight World Championships

1988

  • Microlight European Championships

1988 till 1991

  • Microlight German Championships[1]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Dolderer, Matthias. "Matthias Dolderer-Pilot Vita". Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  2. ^ Red Bull Air Race. "Matthias Dolderer-Pilot Biography".
edit