JEDDAH, 19 May 2006 — Hundreds of spectators were disappointed yesterday when the much-expected spectacle of three small aircraft landing on Tahlia Street did not take place.
Strong cross winds prevented the light planes from landing on the road and instead the pilots gave an exhibition of aerobatics that was enjoyed by aerobatic lovers and families.
“If there had been a favorable headwind, it would have been easy for the pilots to land on the road and make the happening a reality for the first time in the Middle East,” Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) Chief Executive Director Emad A. Shaker told Arab News.
The SAC organized the event in cooperation with the Red Bull because of its reputable “Flying Bulls.” Red Bull’s aerobatic team comprising three pilots from the Czech Republic took part. The team with Martin Nepovim as team manager, included Radka Machova, 58, Jiri Saller, 56, and Miroslav Krejci, 50.
When the pilots returned to the venue from the airport, they were mobbed by young flight fans who sought their autographs.
“For landing, headwind is required and that was not there and so we had to disappoint the spectators,” Nepovim said.
The planes have a 300 HP engine and weigh 560 kg.
Much before the planes were to land on the road around 4 p.m., many youths and families had started converging at the venue toward the western-end of the street where Red Bull had put up a colorful tent. An added feature was music that entertained the spectators until the pilots who had flown back to the airport returned by road.
“I came here two hours before the event was to take place and was disappointed, but satisfied that I could see the three ‘Flying Bulls’ in action,” said Khalid Muhammad Zahrani, a student at King Abdul Aziz University.
Shaker later told Arab News that the Riyadh-based SAV, which has 1,000 Saudi and expatriate members, has been engaged in promoting aerobatics and other interests like paragliding and skydiving, and also has plans for an aviation school by 2007.
