Participating in the Red Bull Air Race which saw its sizzling season opener in Abu Dhabi is Nigel Lamb, a 59-year old race pilot with the Breitling Race Team. Despite being at the age he is now, he doesn’t let that get in the way of him earning his wings and taking on the skies.
To whom (or what) would you attribute your passion of flight?
I would attribute my passion for flight to the idea of freedom. I grew up on the Highlands of Eastern Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) and was transfixed by the eagles making flying look so effortless. There is nothing quite like being able to unshackle yourself from the earth and have the freedom of three dimensions to play with.
What were some of the challenges that you faced on your way to “earn your wings?”
The first challenge I faced was my age, as I applied to the air force at the age of 11 and surprisingly I was politely told to go and grow up a little! With aviation you always have a few obstacles to overcome – living in England, the weather always plays a factor and you have to pitch your wits against Mother Nature.
You have to be determined and self motivated, and the hardest challenge in the Red Bull Air Race is to keep fully focused on the task in hand. Strategy is also essential, it is an art to look at all the options in front of you and choose/develop the right strategy that fits with you and your team – then execute that strategy for optimum results.
And finally sometimes admitting you’re wrong is the hardest challenge, but you have to trust those around you, and sometimes be prepared to adapt and overcome whichever varying factors or unforeseen events that come your way.
We read that you used to be in the Rhodesian Air Force, what lessons did being in Air Force taught you?
Being in the air force, taught me a lot – from a relatively young age, you learn a structure and a discipline and humility that is hard to replicate in other professions. Friendships, communication and teamwork is also a fundamental to be able to adapt and deal with lots of different personalities and to be able to recognise individual’s strengths and develop those unique elements.
But, what I guess I am most grateful for is learning to fly – jets, helicopters and aerobatics which is what I found the most satisfying. The range and experience allowed me to fine tune in later years the passion for flight I had since I was a child.
How intense are the demands of air racing to you? Physically and mentally?
You have to have a very strong body-core and neck muscles to withstand the high ‘G’ forces and stress from the 420˚/second roll rate. You need to have good techniques and exercises for looking after your back and your neck. We specifically train these muscle groups to deal withthe pressure. Using the fitness techniques above to keep physically fit as well.
You have to be aware and be able to handle the mental demands, having a strong strategy is paramount. You really need to free up a lot of brain space to be focused in the track to do all the minute adjustments and be able to fly an invisible 3D racing line. I have a track analysis system so we can identify where I am losing time or not precisely on the line – but to be able to execute those slight and exact instructions and changes requires a lot of mental application.
Somehow you have to find a balance between being too relaxed and too “hyped up”. You need to be feeling “sharp” but not under so much pressure that you do not fly in a natural precise and smooth manner. It’s very important that when you start the engine you are looking forward to the race and that you’re mentally and physically prepared. You need to be in a frame of mind where you can get the best out of yourself and the machine and feel that you are absolutely on top of your game. You’re focused, know exactly the line you want to take and you’re not thinking about anything else.
The best aircraft you have flown so far?
For handling it for sure is the race plane – the MXS because it is just the most fantastic airplane for handling and maneuverability. For nostalgia, my favorite aircraft to fly is the Spitfire.
What is best thing about being a pilot?
Back to freedom of the 3-dimensions… but being a pilot doing this type of flying is the ultimate. Being able to strap a pair of wings on your back and fly these machines, low level through a race track – and pitch against guys from around the world – with my team and the strong support from Breitling and sharing it with my friends and family – I am a very lucky pilot.
Age: 59
Nationality: British
Occupation: Breitling Race Team pilot
