A strong handshake and we are already heading up high, to the fourth floor of the Hilton Budapest. For a week, while the city is eagerly anticipating the race, the presidential suite is dressed in a Red Bull Air Race theme – a world first – packed with trophies, photos, pilot suits (including that of Besenyei’s), helmets, model aeroplanes and even two VR seats. We sit down for a chat here, surrounded by relics from races past and the most beautiful panoramic view in Budapest, the best one of the race itself. Known for his particularly smooth flying style, Péter Besenyei is an especially warm, friendly and down-to-earth gentleman, always on the verge of breaking into a smile. Even at 62, he is still fighting fit.
Taking place between June 23rd-24th in Budapest, the Red Bull Air Race features the world’s best racing pilots in a motorsport competition that combines pure speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes, pilots hit speeds of 370kph while enduring forces of up to 12G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-metre-high, air-filled pylons.
WLB: So let’s start in the beginning. When did your love for flying start?
Péter Besenyei: This is a very old story. Up until I was six, we lived in the countryside, but then my parents moved to Budapest, right next to the Budaörs airfield. This was where I first saw aeroplanes. They actually flew right above our house and I was totally amazed. I knew I wanted to fly. Later on, I rode my bike there and just watched planes landing and taking off for hours. When I was 15, I could finally start flying and took up gliding in Dunakeszi. So this is where the story starts. By the age of 16, I was already flying on my own, something I’m very proud of.
WLB: Impressive! That’s quite young...
PB: Well, if you look at 16 year olds these days, I’m not sure I would trust them with an aeroplane. Perhaps I would given, suitable training. But yes, it is.
WLB: And what happened after?
In 1979 I started training on an aircraft and soon found myself within the circle of aerobatic pilots. From 1981, basically, I was part of the national team and participated in many competitions, including aerobatics world championships later on.
WLB: How did the Red Bull Air Race begin?
PB: World Cups were being held all the time on various continents. We did free flying to music and I loved it but after many years, I saw the organisation falling apart. Finding a sponsor was all the more difficult. Back then I was already a part of Red Bull and whenever I met Dietrich Mateschitz, co-founder of Red Bull, I kept asking him to sponsor the Aerobatics World Cup. I nagged him so much that he agreed to a meeting, where we also invited World Cup director Jean-Louis Monnet.
In the end Mateschitz said that the World Cup was great, but we need something else, our own competition. So he said, Péter, go home and come up with something that is about agility and speed, like Formula 1 in the air. I was a little disappointed because the World Cup was dear to my heart, and this was something else – but I started drawing lines and gates and all kinds of stuff, and came back to him. He liked my drawings and wanted to take the idea further. A team of six people, creatives and professionals, came together, I was the only pilot. In about six months, we had created the concept of the Red Bull Air Race.
WLB: What was the hardest part?
PB: Creating the pylons, air gates, as they had to be high-quality, very visible for both the audience and the pilots. They had to be made of a material that would minimise any damage if anyone crashed into them. There are many old funny photographs of the first experiments. We tried everything: water jets, lasers, steam, smoke, cartoons, balsa wood... in the end, we found the final version, a material very similar to today’s. In the first year, they were different than now, more sensitive to wind, so they were tied with about 1,000 ropes and were a bit wobbly. Every year new gates were created, which I always tested in Tököl. Today the gates are much better: taller, better-shaped and only tied out at the bottom as they can stand strong winds. In the beginning, this was definitely the most interesting part, designing the gates.
WLB: And how were the first test flights?
PB: I did the first test flights in Tököl, trying out everything – flying upside down, knife flying, stunts and tricks. Afterwards the first competition was in 2003 in Zeltweg and it was an amazing success. (Besenyei won it - ed.)
WLB: About Budapest, what does it feel like flying underneath the Chain Bridge? What was the very first time like? Were you sure you would make it or was it a bit scary?
PB: A first is always memorable and special in everything you do, because if you’ve never done it before, there is always a little fear and trepidation about how it will turn out. I knew I could do it safely, I would not have even tried if I had found it too tricky. This was never at all about showing off. If anyone in this profession is too hot-headed and a show-off, their career wouldn’t last. I measured the distance between the bridge and the Danube – my whole career was always based on very precise and perfectly accurate flying. This was no different. And I knew it wasn’t too risky. Obviously, psychologically, it is really intriguing to fly under such a massive steal structure with water beneath you, but this is only in your head. I knew I could do it. So much so, that people expected me to do it upside down as well, straight away. But I said I would only do it if I felt comfortable. This was not a question of prestige but safety.
WLB: But you did it, didn’t you?
PB: I flew the right way up underneath the bridge two or three times, felt good and safe, so I did do it upside down. I actually just thought about it the other day, that all races, events and shows considered, I’ve been under that bridge about 180 times. (He laughs.)
WLB: That is quite something, maybe more times underneath than actually on it?
PB: Could be, yeah... (His moustache quivers in anticipation of a smile.)
WLB: When pulling off such an amazing trick, what do you need to concentrate on the most?
PB: Accuracy. You need to feel the space between the aircraft, the water and the bridge. You need to be very precise and you’ll be fine.
WLB: Can you actually enjoy it, do you ever realise the wow factor of where you are exactly – or is it all just concentration?
PB: The first time I did it, there was no time at all to look around and enjoy it. Now that I’ve done it so many times, my eyes wander around a bit, it is more playful and enjoyable. Now I love it. I did a show for May 1st and I included flying under the bridge in almost every stunt and trick. They said I could, so I did. (Smiles.)
WLB: Do you have a favourite stunt or trick?
PB: Well, not that I can think of. I like free flying and just entertaining crowds, because even if something is not absolutely spot on and you make a slight mistake, it doesn't matter as much as in competition, so there is no stress. Free flying somewhere easy in smooth weather conditions is absolutely amazing. That is definitely my thing.
WLB: What does it feel like being in the aircraft. How do you handle the pressure? What is it that makes somebody an aerobatics pilot?
PB: Pressure is a really serious issue in aerobatic flying and there is nothing you can do about it, only endure it. This is not something you handle, but something you get through. Slowly, with lots of practice, you get used to it. There is a breathing technique that you can do to compensate when G-force hits you. I knew somebody who was super fit, very strong and said he’ll do anything. Well, unfortunately not, he couldn’t handle it as this is not about being fit and brave, but simply getting used to it. Of course, if your overall physique is not fit it won’t happen, but with a general good health, you can do it.
WLB: How high are the chances of an accident?
PB: The chances are not high at all. For instance, there have already been around 80 or so Red Bull Air Races with absolutely no accidents. Very few, if any, technical sports have such a clear record, having got through so many races without an accident. This is a great result and shows how prepared pilots are, and how crucial the safety rules are. And I’d like to highlight that the crowd is never in danger as the racecourse and the path of the aircrafts are all planned in a way that there is absolutely no movement towards them. So even if ever there were to be an accident – the chance really is very low – at worst the pilot would get hurt as the aircrafts never move towards the spectators.
WLB: How is the Red Bull Air Race different in Budapest than in other cities?
PB: The atmosphere is totally different. Budapest is a fantastically beautiful city in the heart of Europe. It is special because the racecourse here is pretty narrow, running between the two parts of the city, and the beginning and end of it both involve flying underneath the Chain Bridge, which is a curiosity. There used to be something similar in Rotterdam underneath Erasmus Bridge, but this here in Budapest, this is a very special spot as you are also flying between historic buildings. It is a privilege for pilots and they are always proud to fly here. And the pictures are amazing and reach nearly 50 countries where people can see how beautiful Budapest is. There is no way to take a photo of the Air Race without a landmark like the Parliament, the Chain Bridge, the Fishermen’s Bastion or the Castle in the background, which is very special. The photos send a positive message out to the world.
WLB: Is Budapest a personal favourite?
PB: Well, for a professional sportsman, competing at home is never the best. Obviously, it is amazing to perform for a local audience, but it is extra pressure. If you are a local, more eyes – including that of the media – are on you and expectations are particularly high. It is always more demanding both physically and psychologically. I don’t think there is a sporting professional who would say that the home ground is their favourite. Although, obviously, it is dearest to my heart, I actually never even won a race here in front of Parliament – I did in Tököl – but most of my victories were abroad (He laughs.) Too much pressure.
WLB: What do we need to know about the suits and aircrafts?
PB: Our suits are totally fireproof like those of Formula 1 drivers and they are very hot. (He fans himself as he casually poses for the photographer.) The aircraft are single-engine, generally six-cylinder and about 300 horsepower. They are nearly 550kg heavy and extremely speedy, made especially for aerobatic flying, very solid and can stand plus/minus 12G without a problem. Very agile and sensitive to steering. They are very special.
WLB: Do you have any memorable landings?
PB: There is only one that didn’t quite go to plan. A few years ago in Canada, my engine stopped and I had to land in a cornfield. I didn’t plan it that way, but there was a technical problem. I landed upside down, which wasn’t too pleasant but I managed to climb out quickly and there wasn’t any great damage. But the chance of a fatal accident was still lurking as the aircraft could have easily caught fire. There, I really needed the many years of experience and routine to come away without a scratch. And a bit of luck. Fortunately, even though the aircraft was slightly damaged, a month later I flew it again
WLB: When you fly above Budapest, do you have time to look around and enjoy the view?
PB: During the race, we cannot, but before we wait above Rákóczi Bridge, there we have plenty of time to stare in awe at this fantastic city. And then again after. So let’s say that during the race, you have to concentrate on being precise and need full focus, but before and after, the beauty of Budapest hits you.
WLB: Is there anything exciting or special you would highlight from your career?
PB: During a 47-year career so many things have happened that when you have to think about it, none comes to mind. These 47 years are the story... (He smiles proudly.)
Okay, let me tell you one. I don’t know if there is another person like me, but over the years I flew a glider, did aerobatic flying countless times and actually jumped out of a plane with a parachute, all in front of Parliament. When I was in the military in 1977, I was part of a long-range reconnaissance patrol andwe jumped into the water right in front of Parliament. I actually made 104 jumps. So a glider, an engine aircraft and a parachute, all outside Parliament. I’m not sure if there might not be another like me.
WLB: So you really like taking a good look at the Parliament, it must be so fantastic.
PB: Fantastic indeed. (All smiles.)
And so we bid farewell to this amazing gentleman who rose sky high to become one of the world’s finest pilots, fulfilling a childhood dream and giving the globe an amazing air show that entertains millions each year. How many more times he will fly under the Chain Bridge is still up in the air.
The interview was made at the Hilton Budapest’s presidential suite, transformed this week into a shrine to the Red Bull Air Race, providing the most perfect view and packed with trophies, pictures, suits, helmets and all things aerobatic.
