22 October 2010
Britain’s first pilot to become the Red Bull Air Race World Champion, Paul Bonhomme, is being recognised by The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN) and will be presented with The Guild Sword of Honour for his `outstanding contribution to General Aviation` on 21 October at GAPAN’s prestigious Annual Trophies & Awards Dinner in the City of London’s Guildhall.
Since 2005 Paul Bonhomme is recognised by the public and aviators world-wide as a very competitive entrant in the Red Bull Air Race series, consistently finishing among the top two or three pilots in the world. In 2009 he became the Red Bull Air Race World Champion and has retained the title in 2010.
“I am totally surprised but thoroughly delighted and humbled to have been considered, let alone selected, to be the recipient for the Guild Sword of Honour this year. I find myself in an enviable position to have been able to race in such a high profile and competitive sport but it’s also a huge thrill to be able to enthuse thousands of people into an interest in aviation. Long may we continue to keep anyone, especially youngsters, interested in the fascinating world of aviation”, said Paul Bonhomme.
The award citation states, “This extremely competitive series of precision races is now validated by the FAI as a World Championship event, and Paul’s achievement in winning the series last year make him a most worthy candidate for the Guild’s prestigious award, even more so now that he has retained his title. For his achievements to date, and continuing feats in General Aviation, increasing the profile of aviation to a world-wide audience, Paul Bonhomme is awarded the Guild Sword of Honour”. <a href=”http://www.gapan.org”>Click here for more</a>
