Air show visitors get a chance to fly aircraft in a simulator

Al Ain: Visitors to Al Ain Air show are 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.

Rashid Thani Al Muhairi, a senior member of UAE Aero-modelling, who runs the remote control aircraft maintenance centre at Al Ain Aerobatic Show, has invited aspiring pilots to show off their skills on a specialised simulator, with his staff on hand to give valuable pointers.

"We have a fully fledged simulation programme to help aviation fans get a feel for what it's like to pilot a plane.

For those who are experienced, we have a team on hand who can help you hone your skills and get you ready for your first flight," said Al Muhairi.

Pilots from various different countries yesterday continued to fly in the team and solo aerobatic stunts at Al Ain Aerobatics Show 2009 showing off their extreme skills to the spectators.

Clear skies and moderate winds offered good flying conditions and spectators enjoyed an uninterrupted display of aerobatic manoeuvres by the pilots.

More than 15 display teams from around the world have been lighting up Al Ain's skies with a host of manoeuvres including the loop, the aileron roll, and the hammerhead.

The show was yesterday witnessed by Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, and members of royal family along with a number of civil and military officials and diplomats.

The British Swift Aerobatic Display team has been performing with its three aircraft at the air show in their first debut in the Middle East.

Guy Westgate, team leader and S-1 glider pilot, is an eight-time UK glider champion and has two world championship titles.

He also holds two world records for tandem paragliding and in his spare time flies Boeing 747-400s for British Airways.

The Team Pioneer has been delighting crowds by painted the desert sky with the Italian flag. The four pilots stage their elegant aerial dance to classical music as they describe loops and rolls in tight formation.