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.


Advanced Team Profile

Six pilots have been selected to Team Mazda UK to compete at the World Advanced Aerobatic Championships 2010.  All of the pilots are experienced, talented aerobatic competitors 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 on the global stage requires not only exceptional flying skills, but also huge personal dedication by each pilot, including significant commitment of personal time, money and energy to mastering the sport.

Alan Cassidy MBE
Age: 61
Aircraft: Pitts S1T, N666BM
Bio: Alan is a professional aerobatic instructor, with more than 4500 aerobatic flying hours.  He has represented Great Britain at Unlimited and Advanced level in European and World Championships since 1995.  Alan is also an expert on the taxonomy of South-East Asian Butterflies.
Marco Kalweit
Age: 34
Aircraft: Pitts S2C, G-FDPS
Bio: Marco is a research scientist who is a relatively new convert to power aerobatics, although he has more than 1100 hours flying gliders and also competes in cross country glider competitions.  2010 will mark his international debut.  Marco also enjoys judo, salsa, canoeing and hiking.
Nick Richards
Age:  43
Aircraft: Extra 300L, D-ETTO
Bio:  Nick works as a financier and is an experienced aerobatic pilot having flown for Team Mazda UK at World and European Advanced Championships since 2008.  He has 350 aerobatic flying hours and has flown a diverse range of aircraft.  Nick's hobbies include diving, skiing and playing piano.
Cas Smith
Age: a little over 21
Aircraft: Pitts S2A, G-ICAS
Bio: Cas is a professional flying instructor and teaches in his Pitts S-2B.  He has more than 9000 flying hours, 2000 of which are aerobatic.  He is an experienced member of the Team Mazda UK, having flown in five World and three European Advanced Championships since 2000.  When he is not flying he enjoys motoring.  When he is not flying or driving he enjoys wine.
Paul Tomlinson
Age: 47
Aircraft: Edge 360, G-ZVKO
Bio: Paul is a Company Director and has more than 400 aerobatic flying hours.  He has flown for Team Mazda UK at World and European Championships since 2008.  Paul is also a skilled musician, specialising in the French Horn.


Nick Wakefield
Age: 48
Aircraft: Pitts S1T, G-WILD
Bio: Nick is a professional pilot with more than 1000 aerobatic flying hours, both as a competition and display pilot.  He has represented Great Britain at Unlimited level at two World and one European Championship flying a Cap 232.  In 2010 Nick will be flying a single seat Pitts at the World Advanced Championships.