Simon Baker

Occupation:

Flying Instructor

Current Residence:

Lichfield

Age:

Old enough to know better!

Place of birth:

Victoria, Australia

Career:

I studied to become a civil engineer, then went on to train as a Flying Instructor. Since then I won the World Championship and flown around Mount Everest and landed at 18000ft above sea level.

How did you get involved in the project?

Through my work with Pegasus I went to Jordan as the microlight pilot. Using the microlights was so successful that John Fack and I agreed to come out to Black Rock. However, we will be changing over with two of our colleagues half way throught the record attempt.

Responsibilities in Jordan and the US:

When ThrustSSC is running on the desert we are flying above working as lookouts. As the microlights have two seats we are able to take passengers and some superb video footage of ThrustSSC has been taken.

Previous crazy ventures:

I took part in an expedition to cross Iceland in canoes and microlights. The microlights had skis to allow us to cross the glaciers safely. Oh, and of course, flying round Mount Everest and landing at 18000ft.

Car:

Ford Escort Estate

Favourite Music:

Rock'n'Roll

What sort of books would you read if you had the time?

I enjoying books about aeroplanes and travelling and anything by Wilbur Smith.

Hobbies:

I'm interested in computers.

What do you want to do when the project is over?

I am going to start a flying school at a different location in the West Midlands and get that business up and running.