The latest attraction to the forthcoming Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship is the Ottoair show - a series of acrobatics performed by a special helicopter of the same name.
The Otto air show will be performed by American pilot, Roger Buis, one of the very few pilots in the world who has towed a sailplane, or glider, with a helicopter.
He will display his skills at the Al Ain show held under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, from January 26 to 30, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Forces and Air Defence.
The Otto air show will include a Solo Act by Otto, the performing helicopter, with low-level, choreographed performance, set to music.
A third of the act is dedicated to children, while the remaining part of the show demonstrates the agility and manoeuvrability of helicopters, with the final act as a special patriotic tribute.
Otto mimics airplane aerobatics, and provides variety to the air show line-up. VIP and media rides, and air show spectator rides on Otto will also be available upon request.
Roger Buis has been flying since 1980, and he has over 16,000 total flight hours and has been awarded Aviator of the Year in helicopters. Otto the helicopter is a Schweizer 300C, and Roger is a specialist in piloting this model.
Flying helicopters has given Roger the opportunity to undertake various careers from offshore for the oil industry, to firefighting, search and rescue, forestry, environmental protection, sightseeing, television, movie and advertising photography and flight instruction.
The Organising Committee of the Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship, chaired by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism aims to invite various notable flying teams every year to thrill and educate the public, and also provide spectacular shows for all ages, including comedy shows for families.
By Emirates Today Staff
© Emirates Today 2007
