Michael Goulian: "Porto is the right place to feel people's energy"

Only a few days before Red Bull Air Race (1-3 September), Michael Goulian, American pilot competing for the fourth time in the Red Bull Race, and one of the most experienced pilots of the Red Bull Air Race team shares his views on Porto race.

Goulian was born in Massachusetts, his family was the owner of one of the most important flight schools in the north Eastern USA.

At the age of 22 he was an acrobatic airplane champion in the most advanced class.

He is co-author of a series of books themed "Advanced and Basic Acrobatic Flying", which became a touchstone in the area.

He belongs to the restricted group of seven pilots that have conquered the crown of glory of aerial acrobatics flight, namely the Art School Memorial Award, the Bill Barber Award and the ICAS Sword of Excellence.

 Likeable and charismatic, Goulian is a fervent supporter of aviation, whether explaining everything about this sport or chatting with fans in signing sessions.

Porto race - his best mark was sixth place in 2008 - can provide the best condition for his plane to get the best results ever.

MICHAEL GOULIAN

team: Team Goulian       

Country: United States of America    

Age: 48 years old (04-09-1968)

Aircraft: Zivko Edge 540 V2

You have raced in Porto previously. What do you recall from those times?

What touches me the most is how high the "walls" are in the city of Porto. It feels like we are inside a coliseum. In the past, our plane was real good flying straight but then it would lose speed on the vertical flight.

Our current aircraft is better balanced in both ways, meaning that it has excellent cornering capacity. I'm sure we will perform pretty well this year.

Do you think the fact that you have already competed in Porto benefits you in some way?

Not really. All pilots are very experienced and the technology available really levels things.

How is it like to compete so close to the river Douro banks and to the cheering of the crowd?

Very often we cannot feel the warmth of the audience, but that doesn't happen in Porto. We feel the enthusiasm of Porto spectators.

What are your expectations for the race in Portugal and the World Championship 2017?

We are aiming for a first victory for the 2017 season, which is our target. Portugal would be a fantastic place to earn a place on the award podium. We love the country and the people. I can't wait to start racing!