A NAILSEA-born stunt pilot soared into fifth place in the European Advanced Aerobatic Championships in Slovakia.

David Thomson, aged 36, was chosen to be part of a four-man team of elite aerobatic pilots to represent Britain.

They performed adrenaline-fuelled loops, rolls, flicks, spins and tumbles in front of crowds of spectators as well as a panel of international aerobatic judges at the prestigious event.

The competitors each had to fly a series of sequences made up of 10-15 manoeuvres that were scored on their precision and presentation.

David said: “We fly to the limits of the aircraft as well as to our own physical and mental limits. With speeds in excess of 230mph and G-forces reaching 10 times our own body weight, it is a tough environment in which to fly highly complex figures. Aerobatics requires delicate precision and split second reactions on the controls.”

But David, who has two children with his wife Nina, adds: “There is a sense of freedom that I don’t think you can get from any other sport. Being able to swoop down and then zoom up into the air like a bird is an incredible feeling.

“Aeroplanes are my lifelong passion. As a kid, I used to build and fly radio-controlled models and now I am flying the real thing.”

The team came fifth in the championships out of over 60 pilots from 16 nations, including members of the French, Russian and Czech Republic air forces.

But, unlike those state-sponsored teams, Team GBR is made up of civilian pilots who fund their flying themselves.

David said: “Having the support of the British Aerobatic Association is vital to us, but we need more support from a key sponsor to show the rest of the world what a great pool of flying talent we have in this country.

“I am extremely proud to be part of such a strong team and we looking forward to the world championships next year, where we hope to bring home some medals.”