Returning to Al Ain for the 10th Aerobatic Show after a break of almost five years were the four Extra 300Ls of the Royal Jordanian Falcons.

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

The team was formed in 1976 at the request of His Majesty the late King Hussein Bin Talal – patron of the International Air Tattoo from 1982 through to his sad death in 1999 – initially with two Pitts S2A Specials.

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

Based in the country’s capital at Amman International Airport, the Royal Jordanian Falcons added a third aircraft to the team before, in 1982, the three aircraft were traded in for Pitts S2Ss, and a fourth aircraft was also added.

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

In 1992 the team’s association with the Pitts gave way and five Extra 300 aircraft were procured in their place. 

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

They, in turn, were replaced by five Extra 300Ls in 2007 at the behest of His Majesty King Abdullah II, and it is these aircraft that the team continues to operate today.

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

In addition to the UAE, the team has performed at countless shows across Europe and in Qatar, Indonesia and the USA since its formation almost 40 years ago.

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

I have to say, I thought they were excellent at Al Ain, and judging by the crowd’s reactions, they did too!

© Karl Drage - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Karl Drage – www.globalaviationresource.com

The next entry will be the final one and will bring together everything not covered to this point.