Sergey Stanislavovich Rakhmanin (Russian: Сергей Станиславович Рахманин; born October 18, 1961, in Karl-Marx-Stadt, Germany) is a Russian powered and glider aerobatic pilot and flight instructor. He is a multiple-time champion in both powered and glider aerobatic competitions and competed in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship from 2007 to 2010.
Early Life and Background
Rakhmanin was born in Karl-Marx-Stadt (present-day Chemnitz), Germany, into a family with roots in the Soviet Union's aviation and engineering traditions. He currently resides in St. Petersburg, Russia, and is married with one child.
Powered Aerobatic Competitions
In 1991, Rakhmanin became the last USSR Absolute Aerobatic Champion. He went on to win the overall category of the FAI European Aerobatic Championships in 1999 and the FAI World Aerobatic Championships in 2003 and 2005.
Glider Aerobatic Competitions
Rakhmanin won a bronze medal at the 1995 World Glider Aerobatic Championships and a team gold medal alongside Mikhail Mamistov and Victor Tchmal. He also won a team gold medal at the 1996 European Glider Aerobatic Championships together with Mikhail Mamistov and Sergei Krikalev.
Red Bull Air Race World Championship
Rakhmanin competed in the Red Bull Air Race World Series from 2007 through 2010. His best season finish was 11th place overall in 2008 and 2009. His highest individual race result was 5th place, achieved in 2009.
| Year | Points | Wins | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 0 | 0 | 12th |
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | 11th |
| 2009 | 17 | 0 | 11th |
| 2010 | 4 | 0 | 13th |
Awards and Honours
Rakhmanin holds the title of "Honored Master of Sport of Russia." In 2006, he was awarded the FAI Air Sport Medal by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
