LONDON, England – Two lucky wannabe pilots were given a once in a lifetime opportunity as UK race pilot Nigel Lamb gave them the inside track on his thrilling flying career. As part of a national competition, devised in conjunction with the UK’s Air Cadet Organisation, young future flying hopefuls were tasked with designing a good luck emblem for the British pilot to use in his 2010 Red Bull Air Race campaign. Cadet Jonny Beech, 17, and Natalie Fields, 14, were the winners in the two age categories and they had the chance to meet Lamb at the end of 2009 along with a group of eager cadets from the local ‘squadron’.
Flight to remember
Lamb, a former Air Force pilot himself, entertained the pilots-in-training at his home base at Wycombe Air Park, located about 40km north of the British capital. The two competition winners made the journey from their home bases in opposite ends of the country so they could meet the race pilot. As well as showcasing his current steed, the 300hp MXS-R, Lamb brought his MX2 two-seater former race mount along so he could take Beech for his prize of a flight with the air race ace. The two-seater is the actual race plane used by Lamb in 2006 and the young cadet was the envy of his peers as Lamb taught him how to fly a loop and roll.
The 17-year-old was left speechless after the flight, conducted in true ‘smoke on’ style over the British countryside in full view of the other cadets and his father Martin. “I really didn’t expect that!” he said, once he was able to stop grinning. “It was quite unlike anything else I’ve ever flown.”
Surprise gift for Lamb
Fourteen-year-old Fields was given a personal tour of the MXS-R raceplane and couldn’t wait to take her seat in the cockpit while Lamb talked her through the various controls. The American-built machine – valued at over £200,000 – is constructed from carbon fibre and is arguably the more attractive of the two current competition machines, the Edge 540 and the MXS-R. Although too young to fly with Lamb in the two-seat version, Field instead was given a rare Breitling hooded sweatshirt as a prize for her winning good luck motif. Lamb will carry the design on his aeroplane cockpit panel throughout the 2010 season.
Fields’ Commanding Officer Flt Lt Paul Therwell was pleased to form the alliance with an aviation legend and role model for the young cadets. “This opportunity has given Natalie an insight into the expertise of Nigel Lamb and his team. We at 2375 (Neston) Sqn would like to wish the team the very best for 2010,” he said afterwards. As a special thanks, Fields also presented Lamb with a gift – a personalised 2375 Sqn polo shirt.
Aim high
The UK Air Cadet Organisation has over 40,000 members ranging from 13-20 years old. Many of these youngsters hope to gain their wings in the future as Air Force pilots. Understandably, the young hopefuls were delighted to have a high profile Red Bull Air Race pilot such as Lamb passing on his flying wisdom.
“It was a great opportunity to meet young aviators and show them the element of flying which is very different to military or commercial routes,” explained Lamb, who has experienced most types of flying environments during his extensive career. “During the public pit lane walks at the races, cadets always show so much positive interest and raw enthusiasm. I remember so well how I felt at that age so it’s great to be able to give something back. The message I try to get across is that it’s worth aiming high because you have nothing to lose by trying and you’ll often be surprised by how simple the path can be with enough passion and the right training.”
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