ABU DHABI For Mélanie Astles, stepping into a plane is no big deal but when she does so this weekend in Abu Dhabi it’s going to be a special occasion. The French woman will create history by becoming the first female pilot to compete in the Red Bull Air Race. “I am looking forward to compete in Abu Dhabi. I’m thrilled I will be joining the 2016 Challenger Cup of the Red Bull Air Race,” Mélanie told XPRESS.
Exhilarating races
The exhilarating races will be held in eight locations around the world starting in the capital from March 11-12 before ending in Las Vegas on October 15-16.
“I’m excited to be getting on to the plane and improving my skills and flying fast. I’m proud to be in the team and compete in beautiful locations around the world. I take great pride in being the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race and it’s heartening to attract the attention. I hope to inspire women pilots in pursuing their dreams,” added Mélanie, who is a five-time French aerobatic champion.
The 34-year-old woman pilot will be part of the Challenger Class along with seven other pilots. The Challenger Cup was introduced in 2014 to help pilot train for the rigours of the ultimate competition in the Masters Class. “It’s too early to think about that, but I need to perform consistently to be at that level,” she said on competing in the Master Class. “I will be focused this year on doing my best, first by going around the track safely and bit by bit by going faster. I definitely would like to be among the final pilots in Las Vegas (last race of the season),” she added.
It was not an easy road to success for Mélanie, who nurtured the dream of becoming a pilot at a very young age. Despite facing several hurdles, she chose her path to ensure she reached the pinnacle.
“I wanted to fly since I was a child, it was like in my blood. I didn’t manage to start early as flying was too expensive and also I didn’t have good marks in maths and physics. People tend to think you need that to become a pilot, now I can tell it isn’t true. All you need is a lot of passion, hard work and money.
“So I quit school at age 18 and started working in a gas station. With my salary I saved money and started flying in Lyon centre, France and took my first lessons at 21. I was lucky to be encouraged by pilots who convinced me to become a professional pilot. I still had a big mountain to climb, but I never gave up.
“At age 25, on my birthday (May 30) I did it. I became a professional pilot after years of fighting. During the process I was helped by some great people who believed in me,” she said.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
5 French Championships
Second at French Open “Advanced” at Chateauroux in 2014
First female and 9th out of 51 at European Championships at Radom (Poland) 2013
First female and 7th out of 66 at World championships in Dubnica (Slovakia) 2014
5th ranking worldwide female pilot in Unlimited level, the highest level in aerobatics
