Rotorwings Formation Team

Otmar Zotter, has been a Red Bull pilot for 36 years, and also has years of experience flying paragliders (motorized and non-motorized) in various competitions.

Peter Metzger, who earns his living as a doctor, swapped his model aircraft for a glider. He has been actively flying motorized paragliders alongside his friend, Otmar Zotter, since 1997.

During flight, the gyrocopter with its broad range of speeds has a distinct advantage over winged aircraft. The outer gyrocopters turn at speeds of 120km/h while the inner one turns at a speed of 80km/h. Both speeds are a breeze for this ultra-light rotorcraft. Observance of minimum speed and play with the flaps, both typical considerations when flying a winged aircraft, don’t apply to the gyrocopter. Flying altitude is usually 150m above ground, although pilots don’t mind flying lower when permitted. They will always ensure a safe distance between them and the crowd.

Microlites are restricted by law; acrobatics are taboo – but this is not seen as a handicap by the pilots. Quite the opposite – they play with the gyrocopter’s extensive potential. Says Peter Metzger: “It looks really good when we auto-rotate vertically down through our own smoke. Technically, this is a harmless maneuver, but one that looks great, thanks to the beautiful swirls created by the rotor.” And Otmar Zotter adds: “It is enough to fly in a triangle formation and spice it up with some colored smoke to leave an impression on the audience. After that prelude, one of the gyrocopters will swing upwards in a swooping turn.” The concerted takeoff and landing procedures add further exciting elements. It’s here where gyrocopters profit from their short take-off distances.

Being part of the formation demands particular dedication, with two to three training sessions per month and several performances on top of those.

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