Abarth UK’s International air show pilot and Brand Ambassador, Mark Jefferies, performed another of his crowd-pleasing aerobatic ‘extreme’ air display routines at the Bahrain International Airshow 2012 in January which was the season opener for Mark Jefferies who flies the ‘Abarth’ Extra 330sc and Extra 300L aircraft. Mark’s busy International and UK air show season continues this weekend at the prestigious Farnborough International Airshow 2012 with his stunning displays of aerobatics on the 13th, 14th and 15th July 2012 – Mark will be flying the remarkable Abarth liveried Extra 330sc as he did at the last Farnborough International Airshow in 2010. The display is very dynamic and shows just how versatile and capable the Extra 330sc really is with Mark performing aerobatic sequences that push man and machine to their limits. Mark commented; “The hardest part of the job is spacial awareness when you have rotations in all 3 axis at rates of over 400 degrees per second! These air displays are very demanding but I insist that every performance is world-class and show what I, and the Extra 330sc, can really do. Recently, while the ‘Abarth’ Extra 300L was on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the Aviation Show I was enjoying the Abarth 500 esseesse and what a fabulous little car it is …I’m used to high performance and this is the most fun I’ve ever had on four wheels. I have been flying at many events this year to support Abarth and the Abarth Dealer Network including the Norfolk Show, AutoItalia at Stanford Hall, the Chalmondeley Pageant of Power and will be performing air displays right through to the end of the 2012 season.”

Farnborough International Airshow 2012 – PUBLIC FLYING DISPLAY (FRI 13 – SUN 15 JULY)

AAC APACHE HELICOPTER
AVRO VULCAN XH558
BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT (Not Fri)
BOEING F/A18 SUPER HORNET
BREITLING JET TEAM (Not Fri)
BREITLING WINGWALKERS (Not Fri)
IRKUT YAK-130
MARK JEFFERIES ‘ABARTH’ EXTRA 330sc
RAF RED ARROWS
RAF TORNADO (Roll demo, not Friday)
RAF TYPHOON
RAF KING AIR
RAF TUCANO (Not Fri)
RAF FALCONS
REDHAWKS (Not Fri)
RUAG AVIATION DORNIER 228
SOUTH KOREAN AIR FORCE T-50 JET TRAINER
THE BLADES
US DOD F/A18 SUPER HORNET
US MARINE CORPS V-22 OSPREY
Farnborough International Airshow 2012 – Public Days opening times:-
Saturday 14 July – Trade/Public Day 0930 – 1730 hrs
Flying Display 1230 – 1730 hrs
Sunday 15 July – Trade/Public Day 0930 – 1730 hrs
Flying Display 1230 – 1730 hrs

G-JOKR, the 2-seater Extra 300L is sporting a stunning new livery – the Extra 300L has been the leader of the pack for many years in competition and will be used for training and aerobatic experiance flights. “JOKER” will also be flown in formation with the Extra 330sc by Tom Cassells as part of the Global Stars formation aerobatic team.

Stats
Wing span 26ft 3in
Lenght 23ft
Height 8ft 6in
Wing area 116.7 square ft

Weights
MTOW 950 kgs normal catogory cross country
MTOW 870 kgs 2 people aerobatic +8/-8G
MTOW 820 kgs single pilot +10/-10G

Airspeeds
Max diving speed (VNE) 220 kts
Stall max weight (Vs) 60 kts

CNN features Mark Jefferies on ‘Quest Means Business’ – part of the ‘World at Work’ series.

A 3 minute interview with Mark flying the Abarth Extra 300L and the Extra 330SC. What you don’t see is James Williams from CNN in the front seat of the 300L, after the flight he was not so chirpy and needed 30 mins sitting to recover! G forces in excess of 4.5 will induce G-LOC, g-induced Loss Of Consciousness (abbreviated G-LOC), a situation when g-forces move the blood away from the brain to the extent that consciousness is lost. As g-forces increases, visual effects include loss of colour vision (grey-out), followed by tunnel vision (where peripheral vision is lost, retaining only the centre vision). If g-forces increase further, complete loss of vision will occur, while consciousness remains. These effects are due to a reduction of blood flow to the eyes before blood flow to the brain is lost, because the extra pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure) counters the blood pressure. The reverse effect is experienced in advanced aerobatic maneuvers under negative g-forces, where excess blood moves towards the brain and eyes red out. Mark and other top aerobatic competition pilots do AGSM and can take up to 10G without a anti-G suit as the military use in addition to AGSM techniques. Link here for the video.Quest Means Business airs Monday to Friday, 1900 London, 2000 CET, 0300 HK and is hosted by Richard Quest on CNN.

Mark Jefferies, Abarth UK’s Brand Ambassador completed a successful series of air show performances at the Bahrain International Airshow 2012 – Mark commented, “I had the privilege of the first flying show here at the Bahrain International Airshow 2012 after the Red Devils parachuted in with the national flag. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, gave his opening speech at 10:30 and I flew at 10:47 and again in the afternoon. Stunning displays were flown by the Russian Knights in the SU27 and UAE’s Al Fusan team flying the Aermacchi MB-339A. Its been a superb airshow – well worth a visit; it has been a pleasure to be part of this event and I would like to thank the organisers for their invitation and hospitality and I look forward to returning again in the future. I’ll be back in the UK soon preparing for the events and promotions for Abarth UK which will hopefully include the Silverstone Classic and a number of events specifically for the Abarth Dealer network – its going to be a busy year!”

International air display pilot and Abarth Brand Ambassador, Mark Jefferies, will be performing at the Bahrain International Airshow this weekend at the start of his International Air Display Tour season which this year will include India – last year Mark clinched 3rd place in the World Aerobatic Masters in China. The Abarth liveried Extra 330sc was freighted in advance and then assembled, checked, inspected and test flown by Mark and his support team prior to the air show which starts on the 19th January. Mark always attracts a huge amount of publicity on his tours – this time is no exception as he secures front page news in the Gulf Daily News; Mark added, “I was fortunate to have been invited to the Fiat Group Automobiles’ UK Dealer conference the day before I departed for Bahrain, had the opportunity to see some pre-launch Abarth models… the Abarth 595 is particularly special. Anyway, we have prepared well and I’m looking forward to the air show and to be flying in Abarth colours again in 2012.”

The second Bahrain International Airshow will return to the Kingdom on 19-21 Jan at the Sakhir Airbase and is fast becoming recognised as one of the best air shows in the region. Building on the success of the 2010 event, the Airshow will once again captivate a massive audience with its diverse flying displays and ground attractions. The Bahrain International Airshow attracts any age group, has something for everyone and promises to be a great event.

A photo of the Sahkir Air Base from the Abarth Extra 330sc flown by Mark Jefferies

Mark Jefferies and the Extra 330sc in Abarth Cars livery are a familiar sight at events and motor racing tracks around the UK with Mark thrilling crowds at events such as Santa Pod Drag Racing and Silverstone GT or Superbike races but this month in Pilot Magazine the readers will see some spectacular photography and a feature about this very special aeroplane. As with Abarth’s ‘Small & Wicked’ cars; this aircraft is built with performance in mind. Click on the Pilot Magazine cover on the left and take a look… ‘Mark’s Little Monster’ article can be found on page 24.

About PilotWeb: Pilotweb is the website of Pilot magazine, the UK’s best-selling general aviation monthly. Pilot has been published for more than 40 years, and has won more awards for the quality and authority of its journalism than any other UK General Aviation magazine.

Mark Jefferies; the Abarth Extra 330sc air display pilot has already started his practice regime in preparation for the 2012 aerobatic and air display season after a very successful 2011 air show season which came to a close with a spectacular and crowd pleasing aerobatic display at Santa Pod Raceway this weekend.

Mark has been performing air displays and flying at air shows throughout the UK, and as far afield as China and Korea during 2011. He and the Abarth liveried Extra have been in demand and receiving acclaim and huge media coverage including a feature article in the next issue of Pilot Magazine.

Mark also featured flying in the TV programme, Britain and Ireland from the Air and has supported the Abarth Dealer network in the UK at events and special occasions – from Hayling Island Sailing through to a Goodwood Breakfast and more than one flying display over Silverstone circuit.

Last week Mark took the opportunity to capture these stunning air-to-air photos with fellow pilot, Tom Cassells, piloting Mark’s other Extra 300l two-seater with Mike from Action Air Images onboard controlling the camera.

Supporting the BBC Children in Need Appeal along with local charities, the Little Gransden Families Day Out Air & Vintage Vehicle Show 2011 - The show will include over four hours of historic, display and aerobatic flying, a classic car and vehicle rally plus numerous other attractions. The Little Gransden Airshow has been running since 1992 and has raised over £140,000 for charity during that time. This special air show will run from approximately 13:00 to 17:00 with a short break for a brief memorial service to remember aircrew and service men and women who served at the nearby wartime airfield. The display line-up is impressive and includes the following – subject to weather and serviceability as always - The World War 2 legendary Avro Lancaster and Hawker Hurricane, two North American P-51D Mustangs, World War 1 Fokker Triplane and SE5a, T-28 Fennec, Bird Dog, Yak-52, MT-03 Autogyro, Boeing Staggerwing, Boeing Stearman (with wing walker), Jackaroo (plus parachutist), Spartan Executive Pair, Jet Provost Pair, DeHavilland Vampire, CAP 232 aerobatic, SWIP Team, GliderFX Team, Pitts Pair, Piper Cub and a stunning aerobatic display from the Abarth Extra 330 SC flown by Mark Jefferies – one of the UK’s most accomplished extreme pilots with many National Aerobatic Championship titles and who placed 3rd in the World Aerobatic Masters Championship earlier this year in China.

The show on the ground presents a varied day out for all the family with craft show, many exhibits and display with vehicle clubs, owners clubs and private vehicles  along with veteran, vintage and classic cars, vans, lorries, tractors, military vehicles and classic motorcycles to make a great show for the spectators. There will be an Abarth display with parking for Abarth owners and Abarthisti fans – there is something to please motoring enthusiasts of all ages. In previous shows this display has included Abarth UK, Ferrari Club UK, The TR Register, BSA enthusiasts and many, many other classic vehicles of every kind – from steam engines through to modern sports cars, vintage military vehicles and classic motorcycles – the Little Gransden Families Day Out Air & Vintage Vehicle Show 2011 is regarded by many as one of the best displays in the area.

Gates open at 10:00 and ends at 17:30. Food, including a barbecue, and ice cream will be available all day along with a bar (please drink responsibly). There are plenty of toilets, including disabled toilets, on site. Free parking is provided in a field next to the airfield which is only a short walk away. Ticket prices: Adult £15, OAP £10, Child (5-16) £7, Child (0-4) FREE, Family (2 adults, 2 kids) £40, Family – extra child £5

Little Gransden airfield is located at Fuller’s Hill Farm, near Little Gransden village, in Cambridgeshire, roughly half way between Bedford and Cambridge. Access is via the A1 or A428. Unfortunately there are no public transport links to the airfield. If you are using Sat Nav the postcode is SG19 3BP.

The Abarth Extra 330sc aerobatic aircraft: The EXTRA 330SC is a single seat, low-wing aerobatic monoplane with conventional (taildragger) landing gear, offering incredible aerobatic performance for the unlimited competitor or free-style pilot – it is the aircraft used by the current world champion pilot and by Mark Jefferies; 3rd in the World Masters Aerobatic Championship 2011 held in China, and the aircraft Mark will be using to support Abarth events across the UK with is stunning aerobatic displays.

Abarth Pilot Mark Jeffries Features in 3D TV Spectular on Sky

A new series; Britain and Ireland From The Sky to be shown on SKY 3D features Abarth Brand ambassador Mark Jefferies. The series aims to give a ‘Peter Pan’s’ eye view of the breathtaking  UK countryside. The unique 8-part series documents the landmarks and ever changing landscapes across the whole British Isles.

Filmed entirely from the air in 3D between 5 to 500 feet above ground, features globally recognised places and secret locations. Celebrities give their perspective on beautiful landscapes, historical monuments and bustling cities throughout the series.

One celebrity featured in Britain and Ireland From the Sky is Abarth aerobatic pilot, Mark Jefferies. Mark’s really is a different perspective – as he twists and turns, loops and swoops over the landscape in his Extra 330sc high performance aeroplane featuring Abarth Cars branding and paint scheme.

The weekly series will start on Sky 3D in June and will also be broadcast in 2D on Sky Atlantic in July.

Also in July, Mark will perform for live crowds at 4 different Abarth related events. The busy calendar includes:

• 10th July 2011 – Gosport, Supporting the Abarth Moth – Simon Payne
• 15th / 16th & 17th July 2011 – Cholmondeley Pageant of Power
• 24th July – Silverstone Classic
• 28th July – Little Gransden Air Show for Charity – Children in Need

For more information about Mark’s Air displays and to get invitations to exclusive Abarth events near you, contact your local Abarth Dealer.

Earlier in the day Meridien Milano will also have a display at the Goodwood BREAKFAST CLUB – the Goodwood runs around the old wartime airfield and Mark will be landing here during the morning as he prepares for his air show later in the day – so look out for the Abarth aeroplane! The theme is Post-1970 sports cars, performance and GT cars so the Abarth cars will fit in well. If you are planning to attend please note that access to the circuit is specifically for the themed cars of the month, all other cars will be directed to park in the surrounding car parks which are in easy walking distance to the track. As the Goodwood Breakfasts Clubs are becoming increasingly popular the front gate may be shut for a limited amount of time in order to ease track congestion. Gates will open again once congestion has eased.

LOCATION : GOODWOOD MOTOR CIRCUIT, DATE(S)

START: SUN 05 JUN 2011 08:00 AM

END : SUN 05 JUN 2011 12:00 PM

PRICE : FREE TO ALL

Great Italian cars in a great location. The UK’s finest Italian sports car brands will once again be gathering at this stately home venue. Centrally located and with easy motorway access, Stanford Hall provides a lovely backdrop. As usual the special lawned area in front of the Hall has been set aside for the concours display that will once again feature the National Fiat and Abarth Concours, Lancias and other selected special cars. Italian sports cars; Ferrari, Lamborghini, De Tomaso and ISO supercars will also be on display. Visitors can expect see a strong turnout of Maseratis from the UK’s Maserati club that will be holding its own annual concours.

Entry is £10 for adults, only £2 for children. It’s a pay-on-the-day event, no advance booking is required. Stanford Hall is accessed from M1 junction 18 (no exit from junction 19 northbound) and junction 19 (southbound) or via the A14/M6 at the M1 junction 19 interchange.

Abarth support the Little Gransden Air and Vintage Vehicle Show – 28th August 2011

On the 28th of August, Abarth support the Little Gransden Air and Vintage Vehicle Show;  BBC Children in Need Appeal 2011 and local charities at the Little Gransden Families Day Out Air and Vintage Vehicle Show will include over four hours of vintage and aerobatic flying displays, a vintage, veteran and classic vehicle rally plus numerous other attractions. Running  since 1992, Mark and the team at Little Gransden have raised over £140,000 for charity! Gates open at 10:00, the event concludes at 17:30. Food including a barbecue and ice cream will be available along with refreshments including a bar. There are also plenty of toilets – including disabled toilets – on site. Free parking is provided in a field next to the airfield, just a short walk away.

As well as the aircraft and air show event, the Little Gransden Show includes participation from various vehicle clubs and private vehicle owners who bring along their veteran, vintage or classic cars, lorries, tractors, PSVs and motorcycles.Previous years’ participation has included impressive display from the UK Ferrari Club, The TR Register, BSA enthusiasts and hundreds of further vintage vehicles of other kinds from steam through to sports cars as well as some of the best vintage military vehicle displays seen in the area. Abarth Cars UK will be there with a display of Abarth 500, Abarth 500c and Abarth Punto Evo cars together with a display of Abarth cars brought along by their owners and the Arbarthisti… and, of course, there will be a stunning air display from Mark Jefferies in the Abarth Extra 330sc.

A real family day out - Little Gransden airfield is located at Fuller’s Hill Farm near Little Gransden village in Cambridgeshire, roughly half way between Bedford and Cambridge. Access is easy via the A1 or A428 roads. Unfortunately there are no public transport links to the airfield. If you are using a Sat Nav system, the postcode for the airfield is SG19 3BP.

2011′s air display will run from approximately 13:00 to 17:00 with a break for a brief memorial service. The display will include the following (subject to weather and serviceability as always). Including: Lancaster, Hurricane, P-51D Mustang x 2, Storch, Fokker Triplane, SE5a, Abarth Extra 330 SC, T-28 Fennec, Cessna Bird Dog, Yak-52, DR107, MT-03 Autogyro, Staggerwing, Jackaroo (parachutist drop), Provost Pair, Vampire, CAP 232, SWIP Team, GliderFX Team and the Pitts Pair