Jon Chambers
Jon started flying in 1992 and just 3yrs later at the age of 19yrs he was already making his mark in competition flying. Just 5yrs after his first flight, in 1997 he was selected for the British training camp, aimed at young up and coming pilots. During that week he flew his first 100k out and return and enjoyed the delights of deploying his first (and only) reserve, a memorable week!
In 1998 Jon finished in the top 10 in the British Open at Morzine and that amongst other results enabled him to qualify for the 1999 PWC. Competing in Argentina and Italy he finished in the top half of the field and says that crossing his first PWC goal line in Italy was perhaps one of his most memorable moments. He also represented Britain in the Bleriot Cup, which they won and until 2001 continued to successfully take part in the British Championships. Soon after and for personal reasons Jon decided to step out of competition flying.
In 2005 he moved to Geneva and soon found himself flying regularly again, and in epic conditions. After a great season of XC flying in 2006 he was convinced by a good friend to enter the British Open in 2007 in Piedrahita. After 4 epic tasks Jon finished first in the Serial class and 3rd Brit overall, completing his longest declared flight – the famous 154km race to goal at Arcones. He once again found himself in the Bleriot team (8 years after the first selection) and again they were victorious. After his success in Spain Jon then entered the UK and St Andre legs, finishing 9th overall and only being pipped to the Serial class title on the very last task by Steve Ham on his Niviuk PEAK.
So far in 2008 Jon has completed a number of large closed circuit flights in the Alps, most notably a 165km out and return and a 135km FAI triangle (on consecutive days!). Meanwhile in the first leg of the championships in Pedro Bernado Jon finished 2nd serial (just behind Steve on his Peak again!) and 7th Brit overall. He has also competed in one of the rounds of the French A league competition series. Jon and his Orange and Blue Niviuk PEAK will be a combination to continue to watch.