Ep 1. Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Red Bull Air Race is an annual international air racing competition where skilled pilots compete against each other to take home the championship title. The inaugural episode of the season 2016 is set in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where the pilots will test their skills on a challenging race course set up in the city's sky.

The episode follows the pilots as they prepare for the competition, and their teams get the planes ready for the race. Each pilot is interviewed, providing insight into their strategies, the obstacles they expect, and their wins and losses from previous seasons. The episode also highlights the technical aspects of the planes and how they are optimized for speed and precision.

The Abu Dhabi track is set up in the emirate's iconic Corniche area. The course is challenging and tests the pilots' endurance, speed, and maneuvering skills. The pilots must maneuver through slalom gates and perform intricate turns and high-speed dives. The race offers viewers an exciting view of the city's skyline, as the pilots fly their planes through the course's intricacies. The pilots must maintain their composure even at speeds of over 230mph as they race to be the fastest.

The first round of the competition sees all pilots put through their paces on the race course. The group stage is followed by the knockout stage, which sees the pilots with the highest score from the group stage compete against each other. It is a nail-biting experience for all involved, and the stakes are high for the pilots as they race to reach the podium.

One of the pilots to watch out for this season is Australian Matt Hall, who finished 2nd in the 2015 championship. The former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot has been training hard, and his plane has undergone several modifications to make it more aerodynamic. Another strong contender is Czech Republic's Martin Sonka, who had a mixed performance in 2015 but rallied towards the end of the season and finished 3rd overall.

The episode provides an in-depth view of the different strategies employed by the pilots to achieve high speeds, ranging from the technical modification of their planes to the pilots' physical preparation. The pilots also rely on their deep knowledge of the race course to execute their strategies to perfection. The sheer focus and intensity of the pilots are visible in their every move throughout the race.

Apart from showcasing the pilots' skill, the episode also highlights the comprehensive safety measures undertaken by the organizers to ensure the pilots' well-being, with every safety concern considered, including an emergency plan and safety briefing.

In conclusion, the first episode of Red Bull Air Race's 2016 season should be a thrilling watch for aviation enthusiasts worldwide. It offers a glimpse into the world of air racing and the intense physical and technical preparation that goes into being a successful pilot. The challenge of the Abu Dhabi race course, combined with the pilots' hunger for victory, will provide an exciting start to the season.