5 September 2017
The final round of the Royal Aero Club’s 2017 air race series saw not only the historic Airborne and Merlin trophies tightly contested but also the winners of the British and European air race championships. The event was staged at Beccles Airfield, Suffolk’s only licenced airfield, over last weekend, 2-3 September.
Saturday’s race was for the Airborne Trophy. It was presented to the Royal Aero Club for air racing by The Airborne Trust, established by Noel Edmonds to enable UK disabled and handicapped of all ages and underprivileged children to experience the pleasure of flying.
Above: David Keene and Richard Butler and their Bulldog. Last weekend’s event was the first time a disabled pilot has competed in a 3Rs air race. Top: Dominic Crossan, left, and Guy Hook, won the championships. [Photos: Dan Pangbourne]
First place in the race went to Dominic Crossan with navigator Guy Hook in a Vans RV-6 which darted past the finish line, having raced at an average speed of 176.91kt. Second was Matt Summers flying a Vans RV-8 with navigator Sean Roberson at average race speed of 179.28kt. Third went to David Moorman flying solo in a CAP 10B, average race speed 148.52kt.
The Merlin Trophy is a precursor air race for the Schneider Trophy, which unfortunately has had to be cancelled this year, and is a miniature twelve stack Merlin engine presented by RR & Associates in 1988 as their way of marking the 75th anniversary of the Schneider Cup.
Back on the podium but this time in first place were Matt Summers and Sean Roberson with an average race speed 179.28kt. Second: Ian Harding, flying solo in a Vans RV-4, average race speed 163kt. Third, Geoffrey and Suzie Boot, flying a SIAI Marchetti, average race speed 179.88kt.
With a season of accumulated points, the British and European Air Race Champion is Dominic Crossan with Guy Hook. Their 2017 season of wins and points reflected their precise and consistent flying.
