Dmitri Samokhvalov - 2017 European Advanced Champion

Dmitri Samokhvalov of Russia became the 10th FAI European Advanced Aerobatic Champion at Chotebor in the Czech Republic on 13th August, fighting off a strong challenge from French pilot and current World Advanced Champion Loic Lovicourt and fellow Russian Roman Ovchinnikov. Dmitri's haul of medals included a silver in the Free Known 1st programme, a second gold in Free Unknown #1 and a bronze in Free Unknown #2.

The event was held in very changeable weather, the judges hiding from 30°c plus some days and shivering in the low teens on others, and flying on the final day was extended to almost 8pm in order to complete the last programme.

Chotebor proved to be an excellent venue, though with a confusing box layout that had a few pilots scratching to align with the axes. CD Vladimir Machula ran a typically brisk schedule, although the weather brought a good number of nail-biting moments.