Spectacularly spellbinding!

Air daredevil, Mark Jefferies is back to woo the audience with his breathtaking stunts in the air. Leading his team Global Stars, Mark along with four pilots Tom Cassells, Chris Burkett, Steve Carver and Michael Pickin is setting the skies of Begumpet on fire while performing at the Indian Civil Aviation Show.

The all British acrobatic team makes spectacular formations and also have solo acts that are leaving people spellbound. Although, he never wanted to be a chartered pilot, Mark recalls that his stint with stunts started at the age of 21. “When I was learning to fly, I started doing stunts. It gives me more sense of freedom; just like a bird,” says the 57-years-old air devil, while speaking to The Hans India.

Mark Jeffereis is a multiple time British champion and he has participated in competitions in Britain, Europe and the world. He was in the league of top 10 acrobatics pilots twice; his top rank being the number six position on the chart. This is Mark’s third performance for the Aviation Show.

Mark Jefferies uses the red aircraft, EA 330SC to perform stunts. The single-seater plane is specifically designed and built for aerobatics with an engine that generates 320hp. It can fly at the maximum speed of 418 km per hour and the aircraft can roll 420 degrees in just a second. It is fitted with special smoke system for show and can also place cameras at almost every point of its body for taking still photographs and live video streaming.

Performing the nail biting acrobatics in the air requires a high amount of concentration along with the skills. Mark says that although he is on the edge, but he never crosses the safety circle. “We have to see where the crowd is for the sake of their safety. I don’t go outside the envelope, but I am always on edge. Spectators come here for enjoyment and passing that joy is a big treasure for me,” he says.

“As the team walks to perform we visualise the maneuvers in our head. Attention to detail is the driving force behind the perfection,” Mark adds. Speaking about his experience in India, Mark says, “I love the food here. We do have curry in England, but that is for the English, but here the food is authentic here. I just love it.”