A Stunt Plane Zigzagged Through a Windmill Farm Because Red Bull

Normally, they would fly through a predetermined course with huge inflatable poles used as markers - it's just like drone racing, only on a larger scale and with the pilots actually flying together with their aircraft. What would happen if a plane hit one of those giant air-filled pylons? Well, it's hard to say, but it would certainly be better than crashing into one that's made of solid metal.

Which is exactly what's keeping the windmill turbines and blades up in the air. In an attempt to make things a little more exciting and promote the Red Bull Air Race series, the Austrian energy drink maker arranged for a professional pilot to slalom through a wind farm located in the glorious snow-covered Alps.

No less than 14 windmills that strangely found themselves almost perfectly aligned were the ideal venue for this stunt, performed by former Red Bull Air Race world champion Hannes Arch. He guided his single-engine plane along the course at speeds that reached nearly 200 mph (320 km/h). Not that he needed to go that fast for even the most minute mistake to turn his plane into a ball of fire.

But if you're here for fails and gore, you're in the wrong place. Everything went out smoothly and Hannes aced the bizarre course without any problems whatsoever. In fact, since the point isn't to hit them in the first place, he might have even enjoyed the change from cheerfully colored inflatable columns to the steely cold pylons of the windmills. And one thing is certain: the views from up where he was must have been fantastic. Not that there's too much time to enjoy them when you're doing 200 mph next to a metal pole thicker than your plane.

Since this is a Red Bull video, expect some very beautiful shots and nice editing, but all in all, we're not impressed. Red Bull, call us when you get the balls to do it with the blades spinning, will you?

The next stage in the Red Bull Air Race will take place on April 23 and 24 in Spielberg, Austria.