UAE | Leisure
Daredevil pilots thrill thousands at air show
They display extreme manoeuvres at Al Ain International Airport
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 January 29, 2010
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- Goodyear Eagles perform during the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2010 at Al Ain International Airport on the second day on Thursday.
Al Ain: Daredevil pilots on Thursday continued to display their mastery over flying machines with extreme manoeuvres in solo and team formations to entertain thousands of spectators at the Al Ain Aerobatics Show.
Partly cloudy and windy conditions, however, created some problems but the show continued without any major change in the schedule. Some 23 teams and solo pilots from 15 countries have been taking part in the show this year with their 45 civilian and military aircraft.
In pictures: Al Ain Aerobatic Show: Day 2
The Aero GP — aviation's Formula 1 is also a part of the show for the second consecutive year. The show was yesterday witnessed by dignitaries along with a number of civil and military officials and diplomats.
The weekend allowed a large number of people from across the UAE to come to the show and enjoy world's best pilots showing a host of manoeuvres including the loop, the aileron roll, and the hammerhead.
Visitors to the show are also being offered chance of a life-time — to get behind the controls of an aircraft and learn what it takes to become an aerobatic pilot extraordinaire.
Inverted drop
The Goodyear Eagles, a South African Aerobatic Team, has also been preparing to attempt a never-before-seen triple synchronised inverted parachute drop during the show.
The show is being jointly organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Force and Air Defence. A large number of aircraft from different countries have been participating in the four-day extravaganza.
It will continue until tomorrow at the Al Ain International Airport.
Stunt experts
The Aero GP yesterday entered into the second day and the six most celebrated stunt pilots continued to compete with all sorts of technical and flying skills in the seasons' first air race.
Al Ain is hosting the first grand prix of the 2010 series. The six elite stunts pilots Andy Bickmore (UK), Somkey Young (US), Nigel Hopking (South Africa), Gerald Cooper (UK), Castor Fantaba (Spain), Zoltan Veres (Hungary) have been competing in various manoeuvres.
Have your say
Did you visit the air show? What did you like about it the most? Do you have any pictures of the event? Tell us.
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