Matthias Dolderer is a German professional race pilot. He is the 2016 champion of the Red Bull Air Race.
Flying career
Beginnings
Dolderer, who once colourfully compared the precision-flying of the Red BullAir 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 150 different aircraft types, with 25,000 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 :de:Flying Bulls|Flying Bulls, Austria, where he still performs with different aircraft.
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 flies a white Zivko Edge 540 V3 with the German colours of red, black and yellow on his tail and winglets. He flies under the number 21.
Achievements
2009-2010
2014-
Legend: * CAN: Cancelled * DNP: Did not take part * DNS: Did not start * DSQ: Disqualified * DNF: Did Not Finish 2008
