Seasoned learning professionals team up for Britain in the World Helicopter Championships
John Matchett, the founder of the training company John Matchett Ltd, and corporate learning public relations specialist Bob Little have teamed up to help the British team in its bid to win the World Helicopter Championship.
According to informed sources, this year British team has its best ever chance of winning the World Helicopter Championship. The event, which is held every three years, takes place this year, from 13th to 18th August, in Eisenach, Germany.
So far, Britain has never won the trophy but the team manager - and former Championship competitor - John Matchett, is confident that he has selected the best helicopter crews in the country. Matchett, who recently announced the British team, commented: "The team includes military personnel and professional helicopter pilots.
The British team for this, the 13th World Helicopter Championship, contains the current Ladies World Helicopter Champions, Caroline Gough-Cooper and Imogen Asker.
"Our team captain, David Monks, is used to representing his country in international competition," said Matchett. "He has already represented Great Britain at swimming and badminton.
"Ron Watkins, Jeff James and Michael Buckland are among the British Army's leading helicopter pilots, while Alastair Sutherland is one of the most experienced civilian pilots in the country and the winner of five British Championships - and Martin Rutty is the current British Club Champion."
Among the favourites to take the World Championship title this year, the British team came fourth in the previous championships - help in Rouen, in France, in 2005. In Rouen, the team missed out on third place by just 68.49 points - trailing the German team, which scored 3281.83 points.
Russia took the team title last time, with France coming second. However, the British pairing of Caroline Gough-Cooper and Imogen Asker won the women's event, with two teams from Russia - Galina Shpigovskays & Ljubov Goubar and Svetlana Chupina & Elena Prokofieva taking second and third places respectively.
"It's always a 'David and Goliath' battle against the Russians, all of whose pilots are full-time professionals," Matchett said, "but we have the drive and the mindset to succeed."
In selecting and preparing the British team for this year's Championships, Matchett, a businessman and entrepreneur by profession, has applied psychology and business strategic thinking. He commented: "We not only have the skills to win the competition but the team also has the determination and will to take the 'pressure' and succeed.
"We're deeply grateful to the Team's sponsors - Haywards Aviation; Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay; Enable Software; EADS UK; Sywell Aerodrome; Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield, and Eazzee - for making it possible for us to challenge for the World Title this year," Matchett added.
"The British team has a great chance to improve on its fourth place in the previous World Championships. Not only do we have some of the most gifted and talented helicopter pilots in the world but we've assembled a highly experienced team.
"Collectively, the team has flown in 22 championships, won in 12 and secured places in 18. In 2005, Caroline Gough-Cooper and Imogen Asker retained the Ladies World Champions title with a resounding win and the 'Team GB' gained a highly respectable six crews in the top 15 places - earning fourth place in the overall event."
"Collectively, the team has flown in 22 championships, won in 12 and secured places in 18. In 2005, Caroline Gough-Cooper and Imogen Asker retained the Ladies World Champions title with a resounding win and the 'Team GB' gained a highly respectable six crews in the top 15 places - earning fourth place in the overall event."
The British Helicopter Team recently appointed Bob Little, Senior Partner of PR agency Bob Little Press & PR, as its PR adviser for this year's World Championships.