Why not bring competition, adrenaline and speed to the air? Surely that was one of the questions asked internally by Airspeeder’s creators before giving life to one of the motorsport categories that promises more action, excitement and surprises. This 2022 will be the year when eVTOLs finally take the skies and with it, the first three pilots are officially known.
Emily Duggan, Fabio Tischler and Zephatali Walsh are the lucky ones to open the curtain on a new era of sustainable mobility at a sporting level. An extensive environment such as motorsport and drone racing has been the preferred place to find the initial trio of protagonists, who were chosen after an exhaustive process that gathered more than 1,500 candidates.
In addition to their undisputed talent, the human factor, personality and above all, the way they work as a team, have stood out from the rest, to become the first official pilots of Airspeeder, who will work with the full support of Telstra Purple and AWS.
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Emily Duggan
Quite a pilot on the rise at Australian racing as one of the leading lights. Starting out in the NSW Excel Racing Series to become the first woman to race the Australian V8 Touring Car Series. During her career, she registered 12 wins, 33 podiums and two pole positions, being ready for the new challenge of the eVTOLs.
“At heart, I am a racer. I’m joining Airspeeder to push the boundaries of motorsport and make history as the first winner of a flying electric car race in the world.”
Fabio Tischler
Highly recognized FPV drone pilot who has worked with major brands such as Red Bull, Toyota and GoPro. Born and raised in Germany, he decided to leave his old life behind to become a professional drone pilot. Undoubtedly, a big change between finance and eVTOL marked the path that years later led him to Airspeeder’s doorstep.
“I’m a gut racer and my motto is ‘stop thinking and start flying’. Joining Airspeeder gives me the opportunity to make some history on the first ever Flying Car Grand Prix.”
Zephatali Walsh
First as a surfer, then as a more world-renowned multi-blade pilot, and now with control of an eVTOL in his hands. Since 2020, he has been competing with Raiden Racing in the Drone Racing League, but in addition, he also has an impressive academic side as an environmental science student, something that goes along with the sustainable frontline of the electrified flying vehicle category.
“Racing has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible, both for humans and their creations. I’m excited to help shape a future of personal transportation via flying cars for my son’s generation.”
Written by | Ronald Ortega
