This past week has been without doubt the most demanding of my professional career as a race pilot.
I have had many, many commitments with media and sponsors, some challenging flying, even more challenging weather and of course fear for the health of one of my colleagues. Overall, the week has been in a word, draining.
But it has also been great! I have been embraced by the people of Perth and indeed people from all over the country and it has reinforced again how proud I am and how great it is to be an Australian.
Tonight I was fortunate enough to have dinner with the guys that came to Perth as part of my Official Supporters Tour and it was so relaxing to sit down and meet them all and feel their passion for aviation and the Red Bull Air Race. It is empowering to have the support of these people.
Pete McLeod, Matthias Dolderer and Yoshi Muroyda were kind enough to come along and meet the supporters too which was awesome and something I am very thankful for.
After that dinner my team, my wife Pedita and the rest of our team ducked over to the Air Race’s Prepare for Takeoff Party at the High Flyers Club. What a great event and I have to recommend if you ever get the chance to go to one of these events jump at it.
Paul Bonhomme, Matthias and Alex Maclean and I were introduced to the guests and interviewed and I got a wonderful cheer from the crowd was something I have never experienced before. It was amazing and something I won’t forget for a long time.
I may not forget but now it is something I must put out of my mind so I can focus on the job at hand – flying safely and smoothly – in order to do the best I can.
Off to bed now – a great weekend awaits.
Cheers
Matt
