The South African Goodyear Eagles Aerobatic Team will attempt a triple synchronised inverted parachute drop in Al Ain this month. The South African Goodyear Eagles Aerobatic Team will attempt a triple synchronised inverted parachute drop in Al Ain this month.

Visitors to Al Ain Aerobatic Show will witness an attempt at a world-first aviation manoeuvre.

The air show, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and taking place on January 27-30, will see the South African Goodyear Eagles Aerobatic Team attempt to complete a triple synchronised inverted parachute drop.

If the manoeuvre succeeds it will mark the first time it has been successfully attempted at an air show; meanwhile at the same show three Pitts Special S2Bs, will perform a formation loop.

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South African team manager Albert Hemsted claimed the manoeuvre would be difficult to perform as each aircraft would be without canopies, causing communication between pilot to be intermittent, while communications with and between skydivers will prove impossible.

"The team has been performing together for a number of years, and know each other like the back of their hand," said Hemsted. "With the exception of our number three skydiver - Johan Grobler - who will be performing the Inverted, for the first time in public in Al Ain."

The team is currently practising five to six times a day as they attempt to familiarise themselves with the Al Ain terrain.

ADTA Major Events Division manager Faisal Al Sheikh noted: “Each year we endeavour to raise the bar with this show and to bring a fresh new approach to it.

"This daring attempt at a world-first record will again take the Al Ain Aerobatic Show into the annals of international aerobatics history — it will be a thrilling episode for the sports fans and spectators."