A new challenge
2008.02.04

The news that I will stop racing generates a lot of questions. It is a pleasure to answer a few of them and explain why I changed my activities.

It is clear that the Air Race is a very demanding exercise, not only for the human body. 
The high G-forces have effect on neck and vertebra which is "less pleasant".
A second important point is that the chances to "fly" a podium place are more and more difficult. 
Although I made it quite clear that a better airplane should be enough to score points. It is still with pleasure that I look back at the three points we scored with the new team 69 aircraft. 
When the question came up, whether I would be interested to use my experience and skills and take part in the production of the Red Bull Air Race, I did not need a lot of time to think. It has often been said that this young sport needs more explanation. 
The TV viewers have to identify with the pilots in their cockpits. A normal commentator lacks the aviation knowledge, so it is a logical step to use the experience of an Air Race pilot. This opportunity gives me some extra advantages. 
It gives me a bit more time to spend with my social network. 
It gives me more time to do keynote speeches. I like to do this, I learn from it, it keeps me sharp, and it is nice to explain others about the professional attitude in the world of aviation. 

This brings me to the other activity that I am going to be involved in this year, which is the recruitment and selection of pilots. The aviation world is a very interesting environment to work in, and at this moment there is a slight decrease of interest in the job, whilst the demand for professional pilots is growing. 

For the selection of a future Dutch Air Race pilot we have to be a little bit more patient. Although there is a lot of pressure in the so called wishful thinking department :) it is very important to be reluctant. 
Inside the race world we had extensive discussions about the qualifications of the "Rookies". Two factors have to be taken into consideration.
1. Unlimited aerobatics experience – this is the investment, which at a certain critical moment will lead to a very quick life or death outcome. 
2. Low level airshow experience – it has to be the second nature of the Rookie to fly upside down at 5 metres altitude.

Article in Algemeen Dagblad Feb 5 2008