BlogGAR – Karl Drage – Breitling Wingwalkers at Al Ain 2013

British participation at the 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show was particularly strong with no less than six regular UK airshow acts on the billing. One team that is always hugely popular wherever it goes is the Breitling Wingwalkers.

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

I’m sure the RFC Rendcombe Aerodrome-based team needs no introduction, but just in case you’ve never seen them before, the Breitling Wingwalkers use the Boeing Stearman as their wingwalking platform of choice, with up to four aircraft (although more typically two) taking part in each display.

On top of each of the aircraft will be one of the team’s glamorous wingwalkers, who will perform a number of different poses on the wing, before climbing down from it and relocating to the cockpit for landing.

Breitling has been the team’s sponsor since 2010, and it was recently announced that the partnership has been extended until November 2016, which is a testament to the success of the tie-up to date.

Indeed, the Breitling Wingwalkers have taken in shows in the Middle East, in China and even Australia during their first four years together.

Doing the flying at Al Ain 2013 were pilots Martyn Carrington and Dave Barrell.

Despite only having two aircraft present, there were three wingwalkers: Danielle “Bird” Hughes, Stella “Stealth” Guilding and Freya “Princess” Paterson.

As well as performing on each show day, the team also spent a fair amount of time manoeuvring for a cine-flex camera-equipped helicopter that was brought in to record the show. The stunning results of which can be viewed below:

http://youtu.be/pEdpLb5JWy0

Consequently, there was plenty of opportunity for the ladies to take turns on the wing, and both Stella and Freya even got to have a bash at commentating, too!

Following the conclusion of the 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show, the team’s aircraft have remained in the Middle East in preparation for an appearance at Bahrain International Airshow, which takes place 16-18 January.