The Passion of Dominik Motoła
In the world of GA, precision, reliability, and passion are key to success. Few people show these qualities like Dominik Motoła.
He is a rising star in the field of airshows, aircraft maintenance, and aviation engineering. Dominik's journey shows what can happen when dedication and passion meet the right tools. For Dominik, one of those tools has been the reliable Rotax engine.
From Gliders to Airshows: A Passion for Flight
Dominik’s love for aviation began at an early age, influenced by a family tradition rooted in military aviation. His father, a combat jet pilot aswell, sparked his dream of stepping into these footprints.
After facing some setbacks, Dominik did not give up on his dream of flying. He found his own way in civil aviation. This choice helped him become a respected figure in the aviation community.
Dominik started flying gliders when he was 18. His journey in aviation grew when he began studying aeronautical engineering at 26. His love for learning and skills led him to train as an aircraft mechanic. There, he first worked with the engine that would be key to his career: the Rotax.
The Rotax Connection: Powering Dreams
In 2015, Dominik's introduction to the Rotax 912 engine marked a turning point in his aviation career. While working on aircraft with this engine, he discovered reliability and performance. He also felt a strong connection to the technology.
“When you maintain a Rotax engine properly, it’s a guarantee for years of flawless performance,” he says. “It’s more than just a tool for me. It’s a key partner in everything I do. This includes maintaining an aircraft, teaching others, and performing at airshows.”
Dominik dedicates himself to mastering Rotax engines. He has become a recognized expert in this field. Each year, he performs over 140 inspections of Rotax engines. His expertise extends to worldwide pre-purchase inspections and training sessions, where he educates aspiring aviators and mechanics on aircraft operation, with a special focus on Rotax-powered systems.
A Revolutionary Project: Building the BushCat
In 2019, Dominik and his wife Magdalena, started on a project that would capture the attention of aviation enthusiasts all around the world. The duo built their own BushCat airplane, documenting every step of the process on their YouTube channel. This pioneering project not only garnered significant attention but also earned them prestigious aviation awards, including the coveted “Cumulus”—the Oscars of aviation.
He knew that the Rotax 912 engine was the perfect fit for the BushCat. Its combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance in diverse conditions made it the obvious choice for this project. The decision proved to be a successful one, as the BushCat has since become a highlight at airshows, with Dominik and his team performing spectacular displays across Poland and beyond.
Aiming for New Heights
Today, he flies with the BushCat Demo Team. They thrill audiences with exciting airshow performances full of pyrotechnics. From colorful smoke trails to stunning night displays, Dominik's performances are a reflection of his passion for flight and the precise, reliable performance of his Rotax-powered aircraft.
In 2024, Dominik and his team reached a major milestone, performing at an airshow in Saudi Arabia. The unique environmental challenges of high temperatures, sandy air, and elevated altitudes presented a true test for the Rotax engine, which delivered flawless performance. This success in the Middle East not only underscored the versatility of Rotax engines but also opened the door to even greater international opportunities for the BushCat Demo Team.
A Dedication to Excellence
As an aviation professional, Dominik's commitment to excellence exceeds flying. Preparing an aircraft for an airshow requires the highest attention to detail—from the installation of pyrotechnics to thorough technical inspections. “The Rotax engine is always at the heart of my preparations,” he says.. “I trust it completely because I know it will perform at the highest level, no matter the challenge.”
For Rotax, Dominik represents the spirit of aviation—innovation, dedication and passion. His story is a reminder that success in aviation is not just about the destination but about the journey, the passion for flight, and the trust in the technology that powers it.
As Dominik Motoła continues to start off to new heights, we at Rotax are proud to be part of his journey, supporting his passion for flight and the aviation community at large. His work shows what Rotax is all about. He fixes engines on the ground, entertains crowds in the sky and in both roles, he shows quality, reliability, and performance.