A FORMER ITN cameraman and private pilot has been part of Wiltshire team competing in the 2018 Icarus Cup.

John Boyce, 58, has been helping to pilot the Airglow human-powered aircraft for this year’s competition from July 14-22.

He was part of a seven-strong team from Marlborough competing against American opposition in the Icarus Cup at Sywell Aerodrome in Northants.

The competition finished with the USA team Aerocycle winning the Icarus Cup and a £1,000 prize.

The Icarus Cup is run by the British Human Powered Flying Club and the Royal Aeronautical Society based in London.

Using only pedal-power, competitors have to complete ten challenge ‘tasks’ including 200-metre and one kilometre time trials, a 500m slalom course, a figure of eight, unassisted take-off, spot landing, and landing on grass.

John, of Huntingdon Street, Bradford on Avon, said: “The cup challenges include speed, distance, shortest take-off, spot landings and a slalom that consists of zig-zagging along a straight line.“You have to pedal the aircraft, be very fit, as well as being a pilot.

“You have about five seconds to get a feel for the controls and the aircraft response, then fly it with minute control, compensating for wind changes, all the while pedalling at your absolute maximum power output.

“The aircraft is incredibly unpredictable and vulnerable to any changes in wind speed and direction and you have to make split-second decisions.

“The Airglow team was second overall last year and we were hoping to take the trophy this year but it wasn’t to be.

“We experienced a lot of mechanical problems during the week and a really bad crash on the last day.”

Mr Boyce was part of a five-strong team of pilots, who included Reuben Arkwright from Lockeridge, Sam Morley from Calne, Ioan Hill from Swansea, and David Clark from the West Midlands.

They were supported by Roger Warren from Ludgershall, and Robin Craike from All Cannings.