Steve Jones (aviator)
Steve Jones (born 5 January 1960) is a British airline pilot and an aerobatics pilot who competed in the Red Bull Air Race World Series, flying a Zivko Edge 540. He is now the championship's head judge.
Steve Jones | |
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Steve Jones racing in Perth | |
Born | 5 January 1960 |
Nationality | |
Website | Profile at air-races.com |
Jones had his first flying lesson at just five years old, in 1965, in a Cessna, on the knee of a family friend. He became a pilot both commercially and competitively.
Commercially, Jones was formerly a captain for British Airways, flying a Boeing 747. He spends his off-season working on and racing vintage cars. His company is also rebuilding two vintage wooden racing aircraft.
Since 1994, Jones has flown competitively and as a display pilot with Paul Bonhomme in their Red Bull Matadors Team. They have taken their show around the world from the UAE to Japan. Jones flies as the wingman. Jones was a competitive Red Bull Air Race pilot from the first UK race which took place in Kemble UK in 2004. In the Red Bull Air Race series of 2007, he won in Porto, Portugal, defeating Mike Mangold.
Jones retired from Airrace as a competitor at the end of the 2008 season. He spent the next two seasons as technical commentator for TV and Internet coverage.
Red Bull Air Race took a 3-year break, returning in 2014. Jones came back as race director and head of training.
Easily confused with Steve Jones, double World Gliding Champion, 2001 & 2014 world champion glider pilot.
Red Bull Air Race World Series results
2007 5th
2006 6th
2005 6th
Flying achievements
2005 FAI WGP, Bronze, U.A.E.; Gold, Switzerland
2005 FAI WGP, Gold, Switzerland
2004 FAI WGP, Gold, U.A.E.
2002 FAI WGP, Silver, Czech Republic; Gold, Japan
2001 FAI WGP, Silver, Japan
2000 FAI World Grand Prix, Gold Medal, Japan
1995 British Aerobatics Champion
1995 UK Freestyle Aerobatics Champion
FAI WGP Championships – three 1st place medals, one 2nd place medal
All FAI WGP results in the formation team category as the Sukhoi Duo/Matadors
Legend:
- CAN: Cancelled
- DNP: Did not participate
- DNS: Did not show
- DQ: Disqualified
- NC: Not classified