Frome’s very own British aerobatic champion, Daniel Weston, returned home recently after winning the first competition of the year, The Dan Smith Memorial, held at Dunstable aerodrome near Luton airport.
The competition consisted of two sections. In the first, Daniel performed well setting a very big lead, with Szymon Bartus who came over from Poland chasing in second.
After the lunch break, the pilots are given the second sequence with little time to learn the routine as it is unknown to them, so adding to the pressure. Daniel was first to fly in the first round so he went last in the second. Szymon Bartus put in an excellent second round, so Daniel had to be careful not to make any mistakes to hold on to his lead. Finishing on a score of 71.8 gave Daniel the win and his first trophy of the year
After being invited to a training camp at Lasham, Daniel is now fully ensconced within the British team. Although Daniel is supported by Pitch and Roll clothing, the sport is self-funded and he is always looking out for help or sponsors to get involved.
The British team have launched a raffle, with the prize being a trip to France or Germany and a flight in a fighter jet – all for £20 for a chance to win – go to www.aerobatics.org.uk/lottery
Daniel learnt to fly at Bath Wilts North Dorset gliding club in Kingston Deverill near Mere, who have an open day on Sunday 26th May. The club says, “If the weather is good, there will be flying and you can decide if you would like to go up, more information www.bwnd.co.uk/ hope to see you there.”
