I Get Paid for This… Raimund Riedmann

In charge of one of the most exceptional historic aircraft collections in the world plus a whole array of GA aircraft, Raimund Riedmann flies them all.

Interview by Yayeri van Baarsen

Flying CV

Flight operations manager and chief pilot fixed-wing for the Red Bull Flying Bulls

Now flying: Fleet includes DC-6B, P-38, F4U-4, Su-29, T-34, Falcon 900, Honda Jet

Favourite aircraft: P-38 Lightning. “She’s unique, wonderful to fly and kind of ‘my’ aircraft during the routine. I’m so used to the P-38 that it sometimes feels like I have a relationship with this aircraft.”

Year/hours at job start: 2000/ 5,000

Hours now: 15,000

It’s not just a profession, it’s one of the most important things in my life

How did you get into flying?

I’ve always been obsessed with aircraft. When I was three years old we lived near Innsbruck Airport and as soon as I heard a noise, I’d go outside and look up to the sky. I started building model aircraft when I was 10, and at I first soloed in a glider when I was 16.

Tell us about your job?

I’m chief pilot for the Flying Bulls. My job consists of airshow flying and executive flying. Normally, airshows are at weekends, and from Monday to Thursday we fly Red Bull athletes and higher management all over Europe. There’s also paperwork involved, Flying CV which I try to do when the weather is bad.

The airshows are the icing on the cake. We have such a beautiful fleet, with unique aircraft like the P-38, Corsair, DC-6, B-25... Even more special is that we get to truly fly them in three dimensions. With modern aeroplanes, it’s about managing the aircraft, but with vintage ones, you really need flying skills. Aerobatics is finding the balance between demonstrating nice manoeuvres and not going over the edge. Each year we develop a new routine, this year the warbirds and Alpha Jets fly in formation before doing their own thing.

I get such joy from showing these aircraft to the public. It allows me to meet great people who share this obsession. Anenthusiast myself, I love hanging around after the show, talking about old aircraft. It’s not just a profession, it’s one of the most important things in my life. Even the executive flying never feels like work – it’s still a privilege. If you think of flying as just a job, you’re not right for the Flying Bulls.

What training did you have?

After working as a flight instructor, in 1995 I became a co-pilot on the Falcon 10 for Tyrolean Jet Service, mainly in ambulance service. Having to plan everything on my own and fly all over the world without much notice taught me to be flexible. In 2000, I got a chance to fly for Red Bull. When a few months later they offered me a job, I didn’t hesitate for even a second. Most of our pilots have a military background or are already experienced aerobatic pilots. Ongoing training is also important. Every year, we start with a display training camp in Maribor before heading with the entire team to Alaska, where our DC-6 simulator is located, to train and develop procedures, like a think tank.

What’s been your favourite flight?

I loved flying the Lightning through the fjords for the Norwegian celebration of 100 years of military aviation. However, my favourite flight was to Duxford in 2011. Ever since the first time I visited, aged 15, on a school trip, Duxford holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I heard the start-up of a radial engine on a B-25 for the first time, surrounded by vintage aircraft. All the overwhelming emotions of that trip came back when landing there in the Lightning.

And your favourite airfield?

Salzburg of course! It’s our base, with hangar 7 and 8. Otherwise, I prefer small airfields over big anonymous airports. I love visiting tiny airfields, meeting nice people and sometimes discovering a gorgeous Tiger Moth in the hangar. Usually I end up staying much longer than planned.

Do you fly much outside of work?

Not as much as I’d like to. I have a small 1940s Globe Swift that I fly once a month. Ideally, I’d fly it every week. However, when I get home after being around aircraft all day, it’s a bit hard explaining to my family that I’m going flying again. Family time is also important, it’s about finding the right balance.

What is your most valuable career advice?

Stick to your ideas. If you really want to fly warbirds, you have to believe it’s going to happen. I was so obsessed with these aircraft, that I put all my energy towards flying them. Be truly devoted to your aviation dreams and you’ll probably succeed.