Red Bull Air Race pilot Hannes Arch has a new plane and ambitious new goals for this season. We talked to the 2008 champion ahead of the first race in Abu Dhabi on March 26-27 to find out what makes him tick.
What’s more important, hard work or talent?
Both. If you want to be successful, you first have to find out what your strengths are and what you like most. Hard work becomes a factor if you’re motivated. Talent is a prerequisite, and I know that I have some talent, but nothing comes from nothing. That suits me just fine, as I am also extremely hardworking.
What do you listen to most, your head or your heart?
I listen mainly to my heart and go with my gut instinct, and experience shows that I am right with following that feeling. It tells me if what I do fits well. Once I have a gut feeling, the thought process will start. Experience also plays a major role.
Who has influenced you most?
My parents have influenced me greatly. I grew up in an extremely beautiful area [Steiermark, in Austria] and I had a great childhood with extreme freedom. This has reflected on my profession, sport and private life. What I was given from my parents was a sense of rootedness, a love of nature and the joy of simplicity.
What is the most important quality in a woman?
I believe that women have a particular eye for aesthetics and beauty, and they have a phenomenal multi-tasking capability. Women bring beauty to our lives.
What is the most important quality in a man?
Men are known for their love for adventure, risk-taking, having responsibility and facing limits.
When you check in at a hotel, what do you write on the register as your job title?
To make it easier, I just write ‘pilot’. Maybe ‘living artist’ would fit better [laughs], but then they would look at me all surprised and ask what kind of job it is.
What was your favorite subject at school, and why?
My favorite subjects were sports and geography. I was always best at sport – but I never took school seriously and just put in minimum effort.
"I only think a maximum of one year ahead."
How else do you earn your money?
In addition to Red Bull Air Race, I also have the Red Bull X-Alps project, for which I am responsible. I am a certified mountain and ski guide, and a helicopter and airplane pilot. I’ve also worked as a producer. I'm pretty versatile.
How many hours a day do you work?
I work all day, with a few breaks. I wake up at 8 or 9am and don’t go to sleep before 1am. I am a night person. I have lots of energy.
If you had to do something else besides all your other occupations, what career would you pursue?
I have a good ear for music, so I guess I would be a bass guitarist [laughs].
What music do you prefer?
I prefer classical music like Beethoven and Mozart, but I also like a bit of Jack Johnson.
What kind of car do you drive?
I drive a Seat at the moment, as they’re one of my sponsors. Otherwise, I would drive an Audi A6.
What will you be doing in 10 years’ time?
I only think a maximum of one year ahead. I do know what I definitely won’t be doing, however, and that’s an office job.
Do you want to have children?
Sure, but first I have to find the right woman [laughs].
"I only go in a direction that means I can have fun."
What are you afraid of?
I'm never afraid, though I can calculate when I’m theoretically in danger. Sometimes my heart begins to race, but that’s just adrenalin which I can channel and control. I have this power but also respect for the dangers. I'm very controlled.
Do you get nauseous from flying?
Generally not. When I flew with my instructor, I was really sick. He flew weirdly [laughs].
What aren’t you good at?
I can’t cook, wash or clean…
How many hours of your life have you been in the air so far?
Probably 1,000 flight hours.
What’s your personal favorite bird's eye view?
Sitting on a hill in Steiermark and just looking down. It's so nice when it's quiet.
Finally, what’s the best thing about your job as a Red Bull Air Race pilot?
I can realize my dreams of travelling. I only go in a direction that means I can have fun.
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