David Barrell

Flying experience:      
No. of displays flown: 

As a child growing up near Duxford airfield David saw many airshows, WW2 aircraft were a common sight in the skies during the summer months. It was the combination of watching vintage aircraft flying overhead and a back seat ride in a WWII Harvard that first gave him the incentive to learn to fly. He eventually gained his Pilots Licence at Cambridge Aeroclub in 1995, initially cutting his teeth flying a parachute jump aircraft in East Anglia. It was at Swanton Morley airfield in Norfolk that David came across the Stearman on which he quickly built his 'taildragger' hours and soon gained a Display Authorisation.

David wanted to fly wing walking aircraft after seeing the Aerosuperbatics Team perform many years ago. Fortunately, after answering an advertisement, he was selected for the team at the beginning of 2007. He then quickly started his intensive program of training under chief pilot Martyn’s watchful eye and guidance and was taught to be an effective team ‘formation lead’ pilot.

David absolutely loves flying the displays. He enjoys so many different aspects of being on the team, especially the teamwork and travelling with his team mates. He has many favourite manoeuvres during the display, but the one he enjoys the most is the 'mirror' as he says it's very tricky to get it perfect in such a small window of time. It's a great feeling when the 'mirror' goes well he says. David loves the dynamic nature of the team show and much prefers displaying sunny weather with no bumps!