[Pics] Freestyle aerobatics up close

[Joe Kurr]

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to photograph aerobatics pilot Frank Versteegh "up close and personal".

Together with 15 other photographers, we were placed in two groups along the runway, while Frank did a 10-minute demo in his Extra-300L.

 

Since this wasn't an official airshow, the usual rules didn't apply, and Frank could do whatever he wanted, which he did.

During our briefing, he announced that he would be using "the terrain" in his demo.

But, since Teuge Airport doesn't have any "terrain" to speak of, "the terrain" would be anything higher than the grass, including us.

 

Before this event, I have never seen an aircraft fly past me so low (only centimeters off the ground), and so close (about 20 meters, maybe less).

 

Below is a small impression of what Frank Versteegh is capable off when not bound to any rules.

Given that he is also a flight safety expert, we can take it for granted that everything he showed us was perfectly safe.

 

1. A quick knife-edge just after take-off

 

2. A "high" fly-by

 

3. Side-slip

 

4. A "rather low" fly-by

 

5. A "low" fly-by (according to Frank this was still too high)

 

6. How close can you get to an aircraft doing aerobatics?

 

7. THIS close!

 

8. Frank used everything sticking out of the ground to his advantage, here he is taking a stroll in the woods

 

9. After the demo, Frank parked his aircraft and the photographers re-assembled in the restaurant for a debrief and a beer.

[Vekkinho]

Thanks for the pics Joe, Rep inbound!

[Griffin]

Great photos! Those guys are nuts! You can almost count his nose hair. Must have been awesome experience.