4 years ago I photographed one of my favorite, and also one of the most extreme projects in my career. In 2010 Robbie Maddison has entered the history with his unique motorcycle jump over the Corinth Canal in Greece. After 4 years history repeats itself only in a different form. I’m back in the same place but this time with a completely different team with acrobatic flying legend Peter Besenyei. Hungarian pilot completed an amazing flight through the famous Corinth Canal in Greece. He crossed the base of the 6.4km-long and 21.4m-wide landmark while performing impressive aerial manoeuvers and breathtaking tricks.

The aircraft, an Extra 300S D-EFBY that weighs in at approximately 608kg and has 300+ horsepower, has a wingspan of 8m – not much less than the 21.4m that the Corinth Canal measures at its narrowest point. Opened in 1893, the historic waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

After crossing the canal for the first time in an aligned flight, the pilot raised the degree of difficulty by performing a series of risky tricks during his second pass. The Hungarian then continued with a flight under the old bridge of Corinthos, followed by a vertical climb and a steep descent into the Canal. Besenyei completed his programme performing two impressive loops around the bridge.

“This is a dream come true. The Corinth Canal is a historic location and has always been a challenge for me. It’s great to be in Greece. I really enjoyed this unique experience,” commented Besenyei, who was crowned champion in the first season of the Red Bull Air Race and has remained one of the competition’s leading pilots ever since.

The 57-year-old started his career as a test pilot for the Hungarian Aviation Office and as an aerobatics flying instructor. Today he is one of the most popular sportsmen in his native Hungary thanks to his unrivalled flying success. Besenyei attracted international attention several years ago with a spectacular upside-down flight under the Chain Bridge that spans the Danube river in Budapest.

The photos that I made back in 2010 are still one of my favorites that have traveled the world. This time it’s Deja Vu but different from the first event. The only thing that connects these two unbelievable events is this unique world location – the Corinth Canal. Previous experience meant a lot to me so I came to Greece more than ready and extremely motivated. Checking the location, constant conversations and planning with Peter, assistants preparations, preparing equipment and planning to the last detail contributed to the photographic results that were unique and just like we all have expected. My special techniques of photographing with multiple cameras at the same time of this and similar events bring many different photos of just a few seconds that normally takes for most extreme projects.
Happy and satisfied with another unique experience, new knowledge and incredible photographs I’m already planning the next extreme project that we are facing this year. Special techniques of photographing this event will be well prepared and explained in my first upcoming workshop or the motivational lecture. To find out the dates of upcoming events please apply to my e-mailing list.