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Just desserts

The Al Ain International Airshow 2005 - part two

Gill Howie/Squadron Prints has a Middle Eastern feast of fun, adventure and fantastic flying. Pictures by Berry Vissers/Squadron Prints

I am a great fan of all types of airshows and have been lucky to visit many all over the world. This was my first trip to the Middle East and to the beautiful Garden City of Al Ain - some ninety minutes from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and a similar distance from the city of Dubai. Not knowing what to expect I was really looking forward to visiting this show, because I knew that there would definitely be something different. I was not disappointed - everything was new, dynamic and thrilling to watch. I have never really watched model aircraft fly, but these guys were terrific, the whole show stunning. The FAI World Grand Prix and the Air Musical 'Flight of Hope' were the two sections of the flying display, which took place each day from 13:00 till 18:00. Many people complain about the noise of aircraft but unusually my ONLY moan about the show was the noise - not because of jet noise but because of the music - it was loud and after being there for the practice days we were getting bored of it, but I never got bored of the flying! From the model aircraft to the fast jets - it was all just great to watch.

Flight of Hope

So what was the Air Musical 'Flight of Hope' all about? Well, it is an airshow set to music. This new concept was all timed to perfection, with all types of aircraft and aerobatic pilots screaming through the sky with precision, the like I have never seen before. There were two British representatives - 'Ultimate High', based at Kemble, had two aircraft shipped out and each day their routines were flown expertly by Andy Cubin and Steve Hicks. Their routines had been flown several times in their heads but, because their aircraft had been shipped out many weeks before, it was difficult to get enough time to practice. 'The Matadors' were the other British team and they have attended several types of aerobatic shows like this before - flown by British Airways Captains Paul Bonhomme and Steve Jones, their display was stunning in their two immaculate Sukhois.

From solo pilots to teams, micro-lights to Mirages, it was all action but I was particularly interested in the military stuff and I really do not know where to start - everything was 'new', so it was all good! The Indian Air Force helicopters were beautiful - called 'Sarang' (meaning Peacock in Sanskrit, the national bird of India), they flew the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's 'Dhruv' (meaning Pole Star), the advanced light helicopter flown by the team since September 2003. They are based on Bangalore at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) and are brightly painted with fantastic colours that clearly show the Peacock. Their display was outstanding, the team members polite and charming and I sincerely hope that they will come to the UK so that you can see for yourselves. There was a representative from RIAT at Al Ain and I know he spoke to them at length, so it won't be for the lack of trying to get them here. Everything comes down to cost, but keep your fingers crossed! The airshow continued with outstanding displays by the Pakistan Air Force showing off its K-8 and Super Mushak aircraft, the Moroccan Air Force's Marche Vert and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.

The jets were the business though - first of all the UAE Mirage 2000 - we had watched him practice the whole week under the watchful eye of a French display pilot mentor and he got better and better, and was simply stunning on the display days. I only wish that there had been some more flying from the UAE Air Force - at the end of the show we stayed on for a few days and saw a lot of good flying. We spent a lot of time with them and they are a truly professional and well-trained group of aviators who thoroughly enjoy what they do.

The Crème de la crème for me were the Saudi Hawks and the Russians. Firstly the Saudi Hawks - I have been a long time admirer of aerobatic teams and watched many teams all over the world, but I have never managed to see the Saudis - I was not disappointed. The practice days were a mix of a two-ship and a five-ship, and on the display days they put on a show that was interesting and different to watch. There were similar formations to our own Red Arrows - the influence of having a Red Arrows coach was evident - but nevertheless for being so very early in the season their display was polished and exciting, and I can only wish the new team leader Major Ahmed very best wishes for the forthcoming season. I look forward to seeing them in the UK hopefully in 2006... Again the team themselves were friendly, charming and love their job.

Now the Russians - surely the most entertaining and phenomenal display that I have watched for a long, long time. The spectacle of the flares drew gasps from the crowds and several other words from the photographers who missed their dream shot - me included! The two Su-27s and two Mig-29s flew together - the Flankers were from the six-ship 'Russian Knights' aerobatic team and the Migs from the six-ship 'Swifts' - again, being so early in the season, the whole team had not worked up but this combination of aircraft was outstanding. Again, the pilots who flew these aircraft were charming and very pleasant to talk to - as their English was poor they spoke through an interpreter, which in itself was entertaining. Again, I know that there is a great deal of interest from them to come back to the UK, but these aircraft a thirsty beasts and their engineers are plenty so costs would be huge to bring them over, but don't give up hope! One thing I learned in Al Ain is that RIAT try their hardest to get as many new things as possible - everyone is dead keen to come to the UK and the 'World's Greatest Airshow'.

TRY to get to Al Ain - it is a brilliant airshow - very different to what we have over here but it is in January, so what better than quality aircraft, lovely weather, a great hotel and a very warm welcome in the Garden City of Al Ain, the second largest city in the UAE and only an hour from the capital Abu Dhabi. Go if you can, it is worth saving up for and I know that Ian Allan Tours are thinking about running a tour there so it must be good. Make the trip - you won't regret it. From model aircraft to Heavy Metal - a FANTASTIC Show!

Gill Howie and Berry Vissers would like to thank Gillian Arnott the International Press Co-ordinator, Colonel Binbarak and his Air Show Team at the Abu Dhabi National Tourism Authority, everyone at the UAE Air Force & Air Defence Kalifa Air College and the Manager & staff of the Al Ain Intercontinental Hotel & Resort for their warm welcome, exceptional help & service and all in all a fantastic Arabian Adventure.

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