Matthias Dolderer

Mattias Dolderer
Red Bull Air Race Pilot (photo: Jason Janetzky)
Born	September 15, 1970 (1970-09-15) (age 41)
Nationality	Germany
Racing career
First race	2009
Best position	9th (2009)
Aircraft	Zivko Edge 540
Website
matthiasdolderer.com

Matthias Dolderer (born September 15, 1970 in Ochsenhausen, Baden Württemberg) is a German professional race pilot,^[1] who competes as a rookie pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.^[2]

Flying career

Beginnings

Dolderer, who once colourfully compared the precision-flying of the Red Bull Air Race to trying to park a car in a garage while travelling at nearly 400 kilometres per hour, first went flying with his father when he was three years old. He was raised at his parent’s flight school and at the early age of five became hooked on machines and fast cars making his first solo flight at 14. His life has revolved around aviation ever since. “Flying was my passion from the very first moment and my inspiration. I’ve spent my whole life in hangars, on airfields and in cockpits,” says Dolderer.

He gained a glider and ultralight license at the age of 17 and the following year obtained his private pilot’s license. Just a few days later he finished 3rd in the German Championships. From 1988 until 1991, Matthias Dolderer took part in four German and two European Championships, and the World Championships as a member of the national ultralight team. He ended his ultralight aviator career as the German Champion.

At 21 he became the youngest flight teacher in Germany. He and his sister Verena took over Tannheim Airfield to continue their family’s vision: ‘To establish a meeting place for aviators, enthusiasts, amateurs as well as professionals.’ The legendary Tannkosh event, Europe’s biggest Fly-In, became a reality in 1993.

Dolderer has spent almost 300 days of his life in the cockpit in more than 100 different aircraft types, with 23,000 landings all over the world and has performed in many air shows across Europe since 1993. In 2002 he became an official pilot of the Flying Bulls, Austria, where he still performs with different aircraft.^[3]

Competition aerobatics

In 2006, Matthias Dolderer intensified his aerobatic activities to become a Red Bull Air Race pilot in the near future. Just one year later, he took part at the World Aerobatic Championship, category "Unlimited". In 2008, Dolderer made his breakthrough after hard training. He won the German Aerobatic Championship and achieved also top standings at international competitions such as the World Aerobatics Cup.

Red Bull Air Race pilot

Matthias Dolderer's achievements opened him the way for an invitation to attend the Red Bull Air Race qualification camp in Casarrubios, Spain, at the end of September 2008. Of the six candidates, five qualified for the "super license" required to compete in the world championship. Matthias Dolderer was one of four rookies selected for active race status. He joins the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2009.^[2]

Dolderer is proud to fly for his home country Germany and already set objectives for his first season: “At first, I’ll be focussing on safety and avoiding penalties and then start attacking for points by mid-season. A top 10 finish for 2009 would be cool.”^[4]

Dolderer seems to be on a good way to reach this goal. He placed 5th at the last Red Bull Air Race in Budapest and collected 7 championship points.^[5]

Achievements

2009

Matthias Dolderer at the Red Bull Air Race World Championship
Year	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Points	Wins	Rank
2009	11th	13th	13th	5th	6th	3rd							23	0	9th

Legend: * CAN: Cancelled * DNP: Did not take part * DNS: Did not start * DSQ: Disqualified

2008

• European Aerobatic Championships, "Unlimited" Category, 19th Place
• World Aerobatics Cup, Czech Republic, "Unlimited" Category, 2nd place
• German Aerobatic Championships, "Unlimited" Category, 1st place
• German Aerobatic Championships, 4-minute freestyle program, 2nd place
• Qualified at the Red Bull Air Race Qualification Camp and selected to race in 2009

2007

• Participation German Aerobatic Championships "Unlimited" Category
• Participation World Aerobatics Championships "Unlimited" Category

2006

• Participation German Aerobatic Championship, "Advanced" Category

1991

• Microlight European Championships, German Champion

1990

• Microlight World Championships

1988

• Microlight European Championships

1988 till 1991

• Microlight German Championships^[1]

See also

• Competition aerobatics
• FAI

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Dolderer, Matthias. "Matthias Dolderer-Pilot Vita". http://www.matthiasdolderer.de/pilot.html. Retrieved 2008-12-13. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Four Rookie For 2009". Red Bull Air Race GmbH. 2008-11-19. http://www.redbullairrace.com/news.php?id=2003&lang=en. Retrieved 2008-12-13. 
3. ^ Red Bull Air Race. "Matthias Dolderer-Pilot Biography". http://www.redbullairrace.com/pilots_sub.php?id=91&lang=en. 
4. ^ Red Bull Air Race. "Matthias Dolderer-Pilot Introduction". http://www.redbullairrace.com/pilots_sub.php?id=91&lang=en. 
5. ^ Red Bull Air Race. "Matthias Dolderer took advantage of new engine". http://www.redbullairrace.com/cs/Satellite/en_air/Article/Bonhomme-Learns-To-Love-2nd-Place-021242761559554?CategoryName=Red+Bull+Air+Race&p=1238611393596. 

External links

• Matthias Dolderer – Official Website
• Facebook Fan Page
• Red Bull Air Race World Championship – Official Website
• Air Races

Persondata
Name	Dolderer, Matthias
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	September 15, 1970
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death