Sami Kontio Challenge wowed thousands at Malmi Airport

15 Aug 2011

Martin Šonka in the sky over Malmi. Photo: Elina Lindholm

The Sami Kontio Challenge aerobatic event wowed thousands of spectators at Malmi Airport on Saturday 13 August 2011. World-class pilots (Jeff Boerboon, Sami Kontio, Mikhail Mamistov, Martin Sonka and Frank Versteegh) defied gravity and raced against the clock in their unlimited class aircraft, familiar from the Red Bull Air Race. The amazing maneuverability of the racers was also demonstrated in free program performances.

Patria Pilot Training presented their modern, brand-new Tecnam and Cirrus trainers, and Antti Mäkelä and Ari Saarinen flew their classic Fournier RF5's in formation. In addition, a sports car and an unlimited-class race aircraft were pitted against each other in an acceleration contest, and parachute jumps were performed.

Videos of the event (YouTube)

Jeff Boerboon (USA) - amazing free program
Martin Sonka's (CZ) racing performance
A longer digest