The 10th season of one of the eEmirate’s longest-running aerobatic shows is scheduled to run between 30th November and 2nd December 2013, coinciding with the national day celebrations of Abu Dhabi. It will be a treat indeed for the many who come to Al Ain to celebrate the national holiday. As one of the world’s most prestigious aerobatic events, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show has so far drawn 24 aerobatics teams and pilots from across several European countries, the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. A range of aircraft from the supersonic NF5 aircraft to Hawker Hunter Jets, bi planes to Hawk Mk65 smoke capable jets, a Hawker Hunter built in 1956 and L 39 C Albatross jets have taken to the skies to showcase heart stopping maneuvers.
Look forward to steep climbs, barrel rolls, loops, inverted flying, wing walking to music, hovering, tail slides, dizzy spins, smoke drawing, flying in close formation with only one meter between jets doing speeds of 200 to 520 knots. You will also get to enjoy artful aerial ballets in vintage motor gliders set to music and sky diving, which are some of the acts audiences have loved. One of the most popular and stunning acts involved a comedy show with Otto the Helicopter. A Hughes TH – 55 Osageone helicopter entertained the crowd by blowing bubbles, playing with a yo-yo, racing around barrels, towing banners, shooting smoke and engaging in other mischievous acts, all the while engaged in a spot of spirited banter with the talented master of ceremonies.
The 2013 edition of this acclaimed event, which is to be held at the Al Ain International Airport, is being organized as a tribute to Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage and as such, a series of themed aerial displays, on-the-ground attractions and performances are being planned.
All action will not happen only in the air. Going by the on-ground entertainment featured at previous shows, fun activities have included a 6,300 sq meter go-kart circuit, inflatable rides, bungee jumping, trampolines, street theater, a simulation zone, stilt walkers and more. The 2013 attractions are expected to be even more exciting. In fact, it is being billed as the ‘ultimate family day out’ in order to draw crowds to this one-in-a-lifetime event. Organisers also hope to nurture future aviation professionals by having a series of educational programs on the industry. The entire city of Al Ain is to be involved in making the event utterly unforgettable for everyone involved.
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Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.
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