Team Mazda UK represents Great Britain at FAI World and European Aerobatic Championships. International Championships are held at two skill levels - Advanced and Unlimited levels. Team Mazda UK sends teams of pilots to both levels of competition. Team pilots are selected by the British Aerobatic Association from the best in Britain based on performance at domestic aerobatic competitions. This blog describes the activity of the Team Mazda UK pilots as they prepare to participate at the 2010 Championships.


Unlimited Team Profile

Four pilots have been selected to Team Mazda UK to compete at the European Aerobatic Championships 2010 at Unlimited level.  All four pilots are highly experienced, talented aerobatic competitors, including a former World Champion, giving Team Mazda UK real prospects of winning individual and team medals at the Championships.
Mazda Cars UK, The British Aerobatic Foundation and the British Aerobatic Association provide the team with financial and logistical support, for which the pilots are very grateful.  Competing at Unlimited level on the global stage requires not only exceptional flying skills, but also huge personal dedication to the sport by each pilot, including significant commitment of personal time, money and energy to mastering the sport.


Tom Cassells

Age:  55
Aircraft:  CAP 232, G-IITC
Bio:  Tom is a Yorkshireman and former British National Aerobatic Champion.  After leaving school, Tom joined the cavalry regiment of the British Army and drove armoured vehicles.  He is now Managing Director of Reed Boardall, a major refrigerated transport company.  Tom has competed at many World and European Championships and holds a European Championship team bronze medal. 










Gerald Cooper
Age:  41
Aircraft: CAP 232, G-OGBR
Bio:  Gerald was born into a small family aviation business currently based in North Lincolnshire.  He is now a full time aerobatic pilot.  The EAC 2010 will be his 8th year at international competition.  Gerald placed 7th at the World Aerobatic Championships 2010 and 3rd at the World Air Games 2010.










Nick Onn
Age: 51
Aircraft: Sukhoi 26, GXXVI
Bio: Nick is the longest serving member of the Team.  He started flying in 1979 and after gaining his PPL he went straight into aerobatics, being first selected for the British Team in 1990.  He has flown in international competitions almost every year since then.  Nick currently lives and works in the USA.










Eric Vazeille


Age:  39
Aircraft: CAP 232, G-OGBR
Bio:  Eric was born in Rouen, France and started flying gliders at the age of 15 years and then switched to powered aircraft at 17.  Eric first started flying aerobatics in a CAP 10B and in 1994 joined the French Team.  Since then he has won numerous medals at World and European contests, culminating in being crowned Overall World Aerobatic Champion in 2000.  Eric has worked as a coach with Team Mazda UK for a number of years and is now resident in England.  Eric will compete in the Four Minute Freestyle contest at the European Championships for Team Mazda UK in 2010.












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