Aerobatic Flying
Łukasz Czepiela made aviation history by landing a plane on the rooftop helipad of Dubai's Burj al Arab and this feat is now an official mission you can experience yourself.
Like Maverick from Top Gun, Łukasz Czepiela has become an official character in the Microsoft Flight Simulator universe. Inspired by some of the iconic flights depicted in the movie's sequel, players can now take on the Polish pilot's iconic Bullseye Landing mission within the simulator. This mission requires safely guiding a virtual Carbon Cub, specially modified to match the one flown by Czepiela, onto the helipad of the Burj al Arab in Dubai. However, unlike Maverick, who's a fictional character, Łukasz Czepiela's achievements are very much real.
In the game, the Carbon Cub used in the Dubai landing is outfitted with nitro, providing an added safety measure for the landing process. It's worth noting that this modified plane can also be utilised in other scenarios within the game. Additionally, players can assess their landing accuracy through a ranking system, comparing their skills against the performance of over 10 million other gamers.
Prior to the introduction of the Bullseye Landing mission, many aviation enthusiasts in the Microsoft Flight Simulator community had attempted similar feats using various virtual aircraft and weather conditions. Czepiela's real-life demonstration proved the feasibility of such a landing. By incorporating this achievement into an official mission, the game not only acknowledges his accomplishment, but also honours the broader international gaming community. The Bullseye Landing mission is available for free download, providing players with the opportunity to test their skills in this challenging scenario.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is the world's most popular flight simulator. Its latest edition was released in August 2020 and is known for its high realism and stunning graphics. It features around 37,000 airports, including the Burj al Arab helipad. Fans also enhance the virtual world of MSFS by adding their own scenery.
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What most people don't know about Red Bull Bullseye Landing
Clearly, landing a plane on a helipad the size of a tennis court isn’t easy. Łukasz Czepiela's aviation milestone was meticulously planned and executed. He spent over two years preparing and completed more than 650 practice landings ahead of the Bullseye Landing attempt. During these practice sessions, he focused on precisely halting his specially modified CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL, designed by aviator Mike Patey, within a circle on a standard runway.
In order to land the plane properly, there was an almost endless list of factors for Czepiela and Patey to overcome, including:
• Flying at an altitude of 200m. At this height there were no points of reference to help Czepiela touch down.
• Winds throwing up dangerous turbulence.
• High temperatures increasing the risk of the plane stalling in mid-air.
• Stripping the plane down to be as light as possible – just over 452kg in this case.
• Keeping control of such a light aircraft, which Czepiela likens to a "leaf in the wind."
• Rigorous training including working with a psychologist and trainer to help him get in the right head-space and lose weight pre-flight.
The aircraft itself underwent an extreme weight-cut. Every screw that could be removed and replaced was swapped for a lighter titanium one. The panel, seat, wheels and even the plating were also replaced with lighter versions.
The airflow around the aircraft's tail was also slightly modified to maintain control at even lower speeds. Other changes included the addition of nitrous, which was used to temporarily increase the engine power by 50bhp, vortex generators to help keep the tail effective at an even lower speed, advancing control, and moving the main fuel tank to the rear of the plane to facilitate more aggressive braking.
As for the landing pad itself, that threw up a few challenges of its own. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah helipad is 27m in diameter, with a total touchdown area of 20m and a load-bearing capacity of 7.5 tonnes. Not only did Czepiela land, he took off again, all with just a 21.5m runway to do so.
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Bullseye Landing: The most important questions answered
Can you just land a plane on a helipad?
Czepiela maneuvered his modified 7m Carbon Cub aircraft into the history books on March 14, 2023, when he landed onto the helipad of the Burj al Arab in Dubai. Landing a plane on a helipad requires specific modifications to the aircraft and exceptional piloting skills. This type of landing is rare and usually reserved for special demonstrations or emergencies.
Who's the pilot who landed on the helipad?
Łukasz Czepiela's journey to becoming a record-breaking aerobatic pilot began with a childhood fascination for airplanes, sparked by an air show he attended with his father at the age of six. His dedication saw him frequently cycling to the airport, where he exchanged cleaning aircraft and moving them from hangars for flying lessons. This early exposure and his hard-earned savings eventually led him to obtain his glider license, marking the start of his own flying adventures.
What building did the plane land on?
The Red Bull plane landed on the Burj al Arab in Dubai, specifically on its helipad. This luxury hotel is renowned for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette and opulent amenities. It features a helipad perched 212m above the ground. The helipad, with a touchdown area situated 7m from the edge, boasts a load-bearing capacity of 7.5 tons and a landing and take-off distance of 20 meters. This remarkable platform is located above the hotel's 56th floor.