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COLIN BODILL  Daredevil microlight flier and helicopter pilot, Colin Bodill, has been challenging the elements since 1975. Having won the UK championships several times, Colin became World Champion in 1997.
In 1998, Colin became the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo in a weight-shift microlight. In 2001, with Jennifer, Colin flew the London Sydney Air Race, setting a new world speed record. Colin is 52, has 2 children and lives in Nottingham.
Awards
Presented with Bronze, Silver, Gold and two Diamond Colibri awards
Air League award
Britannia Award 2001 – The Royal Aero Clubs highest award
Royal Humane Society Bravery Award
Life Savers Awardof Fame Qualifications CAA Examiner
BMMA Test Pilot and Inspector Biography | 1951 | Born Nottingham, UK.Education UK. Graduated from Technical College | | 1975 | Started hang gliding, was involved in the testing and design of the first hang gliding models | | 1992-1994 | Came in the top 3 in The Round Britain Microlight Rally in his weight-shift microlight. | | 1995 | Came fourth in the Madrid to London Rally in hi weight-shift Microlight. Became The Round Britain Microlight Rally Champion flying his weight-shift microlight. | | 1996 | The Round Britain Microlight Rally Champion. | | 1996-1997 | British Microlight Champion. | | 1997 | The Round Britain Rally Champion
Member of Microlight UK World Championship Winning Team
World Champion
Won Gold Medal in the Microlight category at the first ever World Air Games held in Turkey | | 1998 | Set new World Speed Record from London to Sydney
First microlight participation in an Airshow at RAF Woodford, UK
World Champion | | 1999 | Lands End John O’Groats race filmed by Carlton TV | | 2000 | First person to fly solo around the world in a weight-shift microlight
Got helicopter pilots licence in six days! | | 2001 | Competed in London to Sydney Air Race in R44 helicopter
Morocco – two months on movie location flying R44 - desert and Atlas Mountains | | 2003 | Flew the first single engine Civilian helicopter across Drake Passage Flew the first single engine Civilian helicopter to the South Pole. |
We talk to pilots about their hopes, fears, and what they plan to do next Q: During the trip you are most likely to say...?
A: “Let’s get going” Q: During the trip you least likely to say… ?
A: “I’m really enjoying this classical music” Q: Who do you most admire and, briefly, why?
A: My father, he was a very brave and good man Q: If you could take along a third person in your helicopter, who would it be and why?
A: I’d take my ten year old son so he could share in the journey. And if he was there I wouldn’t have the
problem of missing him so much. Q: What part of the trip do you enjoy most, and why ?
A: It would have to be the flying and the freedom, but I do enjoy arriving at all the different locations and
meeting new people. Q: What part of the trip do you enjoy least, and why?
A: It’s always very sad at the end knowing it’s all over. Q: What is the most frightening thing about the trip, and why?
A: The crossing of the Drake Passage and not knowing how conditions may be on reaching it. I also have
the constant worry of head winds. Q: What is your one luxury item that you take along, and why ?
A: Tooth paste - I cannot stand starting the day without cleaning my teeth. Q: What is an indispensable piece of non-technical kit that you take along, and why?
A: The D 1000 tracker box, it could save your life and certainly did on our last trip! Q: What do you crave/miss most when you’re away?
A: Fish and chips. Q: What 4 words would your friends use to describe you?
A: Absolutely stark raving mad. Q: The trip means you and Colin travel very intensely together – what keeps you amicable when
the going gets tough ?
A: Lots of give and take. Q: What are the two of you most likely to disagree on?
A: Music. Q: I understand you listen to music when you're flying, what do you like to listen to?
A: Anything, but not classical, I can’t stand it. Q: Once you’ve completed this world record, what will your next ambition/goal be?
A: To have a good rest. Q: If you weren’t setting helicopter world records, what sort of world records would you like to
set?
A: I’d like to be setting sailing records. Q: When you were a child, what did you want to grow up to be?
A: A man, but always a pilot
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