Before 2009, Zhao Wei was just an RC model aviation enthusiast watching others soar in the sky. A chance live experience changed his life trajectory. Now, as China’s top aerobatic pilot, he has fulfilled his childhood dream of touching the blue sky and is setting his sights even higher—on the world aerobatics championships, marking the first time a Chinese pilot will compete in international aerobatics events and achieving a zero-to-one breakthrough for China in unlimited-level aerobatics on the global stage.
Zhao Wei performing an aerobatic flight maneuver
Exceptional Talent, National First
Under the eyes of an amazed crowd, several brightly colored jets roll, loop, and circle through the azure sky. They can dive like eagles swooping for prey or pose midair, only to rocket skyward the next second. But to Zhao Wei, these thrilling aerobatic displays are still relatively simple—he can pull off even more challenging maneuvers. While typical aerobatic shows involve just one or two rolls per maneuver, Zhao Wei can execute up to 12 rolls and even hold a vertical tilt pose midair. What Zhao Wei performs is unlimited-level aerobatics. It’s not only the pinnacle of aerobatic flying but also one of the most exhilarating competitive sports in the world.
Currently, fewer than 100 people worldwide hold aerobatic flying qualifications, and Zhao Wei is the first Chinese to master this skill. He is not only a professional aerobatic pilot but also the captain of the Red Bull Aerobatics Team China (China’s first unlimited-level aerobatics team). He is the only Chinese member of the team, with the other three teammates hailing from South Africa and ranking among the top ten in aerobatics.
His teammate Scott Tannas said, “Zhao Wei has exceptional talent. He’s not only physically strong but also quick-reacting, both of which are essential for aerobatics.”
Though the team was formed as recently as April 2013, within a year they had participated in several world-class championships and exhibition events, earning impressive results and international acclaim.
Zhao Wei often jokes that he’s the only Asian face on the world aerobatics stage, which naturally draws attention.
Dream Fulfilled, Chasing the Title
Although Zhao Wei didn’t get his pilot’s license until age 35, he dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood.
Growing up in a rural family, Zhao Wei loved airplane models, but since his family couldn’t afford them, his father made him one out of cornstalks.
“I learned about aviation by reading magazines and books. I wasn’t a good student who loved studying, but I read every aviation-related book I could get my hands on,” 39-year-old Zhao Wei told reporters at the Faku General Aviation Base in Shenyang, Liaoning Province—the same base where his aerobatic performance team is stationed.
In 2000, after graduating from Shenyang University of Technology, Zhao Wei joined a state-owned power equipment company. Several years of work experience helped him develop skilled operational abilities. In 2008, he started his own business and used his spare time to practice skydiving and paragliding.
Zhao Wei obtained his private pilot’s license in 2011 and subsequently traveled to Germany three times to study aerobatics. Thanks to intense training and remarkable talent, he made rapid progress. After just 200 hours of training, he passed the exam and became China’s first pilot qualified to fly unlimited-level aerobatics.
As a rising star in the field of aerobatics, Zhao Wei has a packed schedule this year. Aside from being invited to perform at several airshows, his main focus is the World Aerobatics Championships to be held in South Africa this November. Zhao Wei qualified through the preliminary rounds. “This is the first time a Chinese pilot has competed in such a high-level event. My goal is to win the championship!” he said.
Pushing Limits with Family Support
The essence of unlimited-level aerobatics lies in exploring the limits of the human body and achieving a seamless unity between pilot and aircraft.
As an aerial performance, aerobatics demands exceptional skill and courage.
Zhao Wei said, “The selection process for pilots is almost as strict as that for astronauts.”
Aerobatics not only requires pilots to have excellent physical fitness and quick reflexes but also a range of flying techniques and the ability to endure greater structural stress than regular aircraft. Zhao Wei owns four top-tier XA42 planes. He can not only fly low and slow but also deliver a powerful visual impact to the audience.
Zhao Wei said, “The best planes also place higher demands on pilots. Aerobatics is a dangerous sport that dances with death—in some countries, pilots are required to wear parachutes during competitions.” Although his wife worries about his safety, she knows she can’t persuade him to quit. To fully support Zhao Wei’s career, his wife Jiang Lin joined a flying club to help manage daily affairs.
Zhao Wei said, “If I win the world championship, it will just be a personal achievement. To be honest, I feel a bit lonely competing against foreign pilots. My next plan is to select and train more Chinese aerobatic pilots.”