Now in its ninth year, the Al Ain Aerobatic Show is the must-visit event for those who like to watch daredevil pilots manoeuvring supersonic crafts at breakneck speeds through loops, swoops, dives and close-precision flying. Some of the most skilled flying units on the planet will be appearing over the four-day event, including Britain’s Team Viper, the world’s only Hawker Hunter team, Latvia’s The Baltic Bees, and the Turkish Air Force display squadron – the Turkish Stars.
This year, the show will also include the FIA Desert Challenge – a breathtaking aerial tête-à-tête in which six of the world’s best pilots will compete in a freestyle tournament to see who can pull off the craziest flying moves. And, should you start to get neck cramps from all this looking up, there are also helicopter rides, flight simulators, go-karting and bungee jumping to keep you amused, as well as the obligatory bouncy castles and face painting so your little angels don’t get bored. All this awaits you after a mere 80-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city centre.
Master of the skies
Flying ace Ian Thompson, team manager and member of Team Viper, reveals the tricks of his trade.
How much practice does it take to be able to perform all those thrilling aerial manoeuvres?
As a team, we do a tremendous amount, and, realistically, it is never enough. One of the reasons we love coming out to the Middle East for the winter is that it enables us to practise early on in the season rather than becoming stale. To give you an idea, our team leader has over 11,000 flying hours and, even after a lifetime spent in the cockpit, he says he never stops learning.
What do you think about when you’re in the air?
Since I am very much the new boy, I am thinking about many more things than my colleagues. To stay in formation is a real art. You are always moving back into position, as it is almost impossible to stay exactly where you need to be. Therefore formation flying is a combination of hundreds of small movements happening all of the time, but you have to learn to do that automatically. Interestingly, in formation flying, the only person who actually watches where he is going is the leader as the rest of us focus on the aircraft to the side or in front.
Any close scrapes with death?
Just the one. I was flying a Hughes 500 helicopter when the engine developed an extreme loss of power. I was only 500ft [152m] off the ground flying up a densely wooded hillside so my options were limited. Between diagnosing the problem and being on the ground was about 10 seconds, so things happened quickly! We hit pretty hard, but we walked away. It was terrifying, especially at the last second. I saw an electricity pylon right in the way of where I was heading, which until that point had been hidden by the trees. I remember thinking that that seemed rather unfair!
What are the unique challenges to flying in the Middle Eastern climate?
A particular problem we had last year was that the sand in the air meant that, while the visibility was fine at ground level, higher up the visibility became pretty poor. Also, it is really, really hot, and flying a jet at high speed is extremely tiring from the sheer physical and mental effort, so the heat adds another thing you have to manage. The first time I ever flew a jet in a formation display I had to go and have a sleep after we landed, as I was so exhausted.
We imagine all pilots’ lives are exactly like those in the movie Top Gun. Correct?
I love Top Gun, but, like most movies, it is rather exaggerated. However, the competition is always there, just like in the movie. Certainly, in our team there is lots of teasing and humour. And also true to life – my wife says that she did find it rather attractive that I was a pilot when we first met!
Could you fly a commercial jetliner?
Some of my colleagues could, and indeed do. All aircraft are similar, so any good pilot could step into another aircraft and fly it in an emergency. However, all aircraft, especially newer types such as the Airbus A380, have highly technical systems. So without the proper training some things would catch you out.
Al Ain Aerobatic Show. Dhs40 per day for adults, Dhs20 for children. February 2-5. Al Ain International Airport, www.timeouttickets.com.
Also in Al Ain
While you’re over in the tranquil garden city of Al Ain, here’s what else you should check out.
What to see
As the former capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and home to ruling Al Nahyan family, Al Ain is just packed with ancient forts and other historic sites of interest. We’d recommend popping into Al Ain National Museum (03 764 1595), which houses scores of fascinating artefacts chronicling the area’s rich history. We’d also suggest a relaxing stroll through the shady palm trees of the Al Ain Oasis, and, if you want to take in some breathtaking panoramic vistas, put your car’s engine through its paces and drive up steep slopes to the top of the giant Jebel Hafeet mountain. All attractions are clearly signposted as you approach the city.
Where to stay
Probably the classiest hotel in the city is the Al Ain Rotana (03 754 5111), which has the added bonus of a central location. It’s home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, and the rooms are modern and spacious. However, there is a bit of construction work in the area, but it shouldn’t detract too much from your visit. The Danat Al Ain Resort (03 704 6000) is less modern, but still has decent rooms and amenities, while what the Grand Mercure (03 783 8888) might lack in facilities (aside from a great pool), it makes up for with its amazing location near the top of Al Ain’s lofty mountain.
Where to eat
Should you fancy a hearty curry, head to Tanjore at the Danat Al Ain. The butter chicken was one of the best we’ve eaten in this country. Also, Zest Restaurant at the Rotana is a solid international buffet diner, while Paco’s Bar at the Hilton Al Ain (03 768 6666) serves up some reasonably satisfying Mexican fare.
Where to drink
The Al Ain Rotana has its own Trader Vic’s, which, like its Abu Dhabi counterpart, has an in-house Latino band, and specialises in big bowls of fruity mixes. Meanwhile, if you’re after something a bit cheaper, the Horse & Jockey at the Dana Resort does a good imitation of an English pub.
