Al Ain Aero GP 2009
What a great project to start the New Year!
Mike and Pauline travelled to Al Ain in Abu Dahbi, on the 20th January to run the ground operations and administration of the first Aero GP of 2009. The Aero GP was the Headline event of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009 and it was a great success.
The team was based throughout at the Intercontinental in Al Ain which is a great venue, for anyone looking to combine business and pleasuure in the sun.
As always, Pauline did a fantasic job coordinating the transporation from the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, accomodation, daily movements and departures. Given the variety of temperaments of the team of 60 pilots, film crews, including 5th Gear and journalists this was no mean feat. The team had travelled from the USA, Egypt, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Japan and the UK, so it is clearly an achievement that they all arrived and departed on time, in good humour and without a hitch!
Mike by contrast had the easiest task, according to Pauiline anyway! Having got the aircraft and freight there in a number of containers his major tasks were to coordinate the construction of the race course and the pyrotechnic special effects. There is little doubt that his sense of humour was tested to the limit but without labouring the point, everything eventually worked as planned!!
RFA are looking forward to the next Aero GP wherever and whenever it may be, dates and venues are still to be released. We look forward to being involved again with what has to be considered the most exciting new sporting event in the world!
Some extracts of comments received regarding RFA ’s contribution towards the Al Ain Aero GP 2009 below:
I can’t think of a single thing that could have been done any better as far I am concerned. I’ve been Air Racing 35 years and have never been to a more seamless event. I say this in all faith, even when Digital Computers put the might of their organisation into the Schneider Trophy, it was not as good as your organisation. I do hope to meet you again.
Many thanks for your hard work, it made the event very special to me.
Steve Alexander - Chairman of FARA ( Formula Air Racing Association), a member body of the Royal Aero Club
From my perspective the aspects of Al Ain which you and Pauline controlled were flawless. I got off the airplane in Dubai and was met by my driver as soon as I cleared customs. He had a sign that said “Aero GP.” It was a no brainer. Transport in and out daily went great. I was very happy with the course layout and the pylons. Transport back to the airport Sunday went like clockwork and the breakfast boxes Pauline arranged were much appreciated.
All in all it was a great event and I miss you guys. Looking forward very much to the next one.
Smokey - Aero GP Pilot
Pauline, just a quick note to say a big thank you for your efforts in organizing the rabble you had to contend with, it was very much appreciated. Mike, without your help it would have been much harder. I could also see the difficulties you were experiencing, very frustrating it must have been for you.
I do hope that we will work with each other again in the future.
Thank you
David Cox - Pyrotechnic Controller, Paines Fireworks Ltd
Everything from my point of view was just fine on the organisational front.
Pauline was great and makes a lovely mum - a big thank you to her from me.
Brendan O’Brien - Commentator
It was a great pleasure to have you & your team with us; both of you were the most cooperative organizers I have met and I hope that we were up to your expectation.
Radwa El Masry - Sales Manager Intercontinental Hotel Al Ain
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