Honors Go To American Team At First U.S. Event In 10 Years

For the first time in 10 years, the World Aerobatic Championships were held in the United States last month. The event, held at North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI) from October 9 to October 20, featured world-class competitors, including U.S. Breitling pilot David Martin.

The 2013 FAI WAC offered an opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to experience the world’s newest aerobatic maneuvers first-hand. Breitling was a proud supporter of the event. “It’s an honor to support the WAC and this competition,” said Thierry Prissert, Breitling U.S.A. president. “Breitling is proud to support a competition that reflects our aviation heritage so closely. David Martin has had Breitling’s support for a decade now, and the brand obviously has his support, too. We thank him, and all the pilots, for their continued dedication to the aerobatic arts.”

Securing the silver medal in this prestigious event was a team effort. Teammate Rob Holland was also recognized as the Four Minute Freestyle Champion of the competition. Breitling pilot David Martin, flying behalf of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team, participated in his 8th performance at the World Aerobatic Championships this year, where he once again thrilled audiences with his incredible talent. “To participate in the first World Aerobatic Championship in my home state of Texas is indescribable,” said David Martin. “I’ve flown in this competitive series throughout the world, and my fellow challengers are the best pilots on earth, bar none. I’m humbled to be a member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic Team and honored to share this experience with my team. This year the competition was especially challenging because of the wind and bad weather, but the team was able to come through.”

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) organized the first World Aerobatic Championships (WAC) in 1960. The event has taken place approximately every two years since. Previous host-countries have included France, Spain, England, Germany and Russia, among others. The very best aerobatic pilots from around the world compete for national team and world champion titles. This elite gathering of aerobatic competitors features the world’s highest level of aerobatic performance, putting the ultimate in human skill and aircraft design on display.

In addition to aviation legend Martin, Breitling hosted several international Breitling pilots who competed for their home countries. Yoshihide Muroya, of Fukushima, flew on behalf of team Japan in an Edge 540 aircraft, and Mikael Brageot taking to the air in his Breitling XTREME AIR XA41, flying for France.

(Images provided by Breitling)

FMI: http://wac2013.com/