FAI Desert Challenge

Taking centre stage at the 2011 event is the unique multi-discipline FAI Desert Challenge. Comprising six world-class pilots, the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) sanctioned Desert Challenge will see the globe’s top pilots battle it out in both classic and free-style challenges for an anticipated 130,000 strong crowd.

Flying CAP232, Sukhoi 26 and Xtreme aircraft, the FAI World Class Unlimited pilots – all top-10 FAI event rankers in the last two years – are expected to be the icing on the cake over four-days of gravity-defying displays.

“With the addition of the Desert Challenge to a greatly enhanced display line-up and on-ground festivities, we have gone a step further in generating truly global interest for this event and our heritage heartland of Al Ain,” Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

FAI Desert Challenge participants:

Gerald Cooper           UK               CAP 232

Cástor Fantoba          Spain          Sukhoi 26

François Le Vot          France        Xtreme

Philipp Steinbach      Germany     Xtreme

Hubie Tolson              USA            Sukhoi 26

Juan Velarde              Spain          Sukhoi 26