An in demand aerial display team have been booked for Ayr’s new-look air show later this year.
The ever-popular RAF Chinook Display Team - who have only selected eight air shows to display at this season - will pay a visit to Ayr on September 9 at The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight.
The Chinook is instantly recognisable due to its size with two sets of rotor blades sitting on top of the aircraft- each with a diameter of 60 ft- and an unmistakable sound that audiences can hear long before it’s in sight.
The team - whose role is primarily for the transportation of troops, resupply, and battlefield casualty evacuation - will perform pirouettes, steep banks and turns, as well as ‘the rollercoaster’, where the aircraft is dramatically pitched up then down - manoeuvres which seem impossible for the aircraft’s size.
Festival goers are encouraged to make sure to look towards the rear of helicopter during the display over Ayr shore front on Saturday, September 9, as one of the crew members will open the cargo door and wave a pair of huge bright orange hands!
Dr Geoff Coxon, CEO of the SKYLAB, said: “Not many air shows have been able to secure the Chinook Display Team this year, so having them here at Ayr is a real privilege. It means we get a chance to see this amazing machine in action.
“The crowd will be stunned at the way the helicopter is piloted during the display.
“One manoeuvre to watch out for is ‘the rollercoaster’ where the aircraft is dramatically pitched up, then down, just like the theme park ride.
“It is an amazing sight to see with an even better sound, often referred to as blade-slap!”
Councillor Alec Clark, portfolio holder for tourism, added: “The RAF Chinook Display Team are in high demand, so to have them on the bill for Saturday’s aerial display is absolutely fantastic.
“This will be another chance to interact with one of our amazing display teams at the air show, so be sure to watch out for the orange hands and wave back, as I’ve been told that they will be able to see you!”
The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr shore front between Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 10.
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