Comedy Helicopter Air Shows at Al Ain Air Show

The show will be performed by the US pilot, Roger Buis, one of few pilots in the world who has towed a sailplane or glider with a helicopter, who will participate in the Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship, which will be held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, from 26 to 30 January 2007, organized by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and UAE Air Forces and Air Defence.

The OTTO air show will include a Solo Act by OTTO, the performing helicopter, with low-level, choreographed performance, set to music. 1/3 of act is dedicated to kids, 1/3 demonstrates agility and maneuverability of helicopter flight, and 1/3 of act is a special patriotic tribute.

OTTO mimics airplane aerobatics, and provides variety to the air show lineup. VIP and Media rides, and also air show spectator rides on OTTO will be available upon request.

Roger Buis has been flying since 1980, and he has over 16,000 total flight hours and has been awarded 'Aviator of the Year' in helicopters. Roger first started flying helicopters, or rotary wing aircraft. He soloed in the Hughes 269A, the predecessor to the Schweizer 300C, which is what OTTO the helicopter is. Roger also flies the Bell 204/205, the Bell Jet Ranger and Long Ranger, the Bell 406, and the Eurocopter Twin Star. Roger flies airplanes and fixed-wing aircraft. He started flying, like many pilots, a Cessna 150, 152 and 172. He also flies multi-engine and Citation jet aircraft. For fun, Roger obtained his seaplane ratings. Flying helicopters has given Roger the opportunity to do all kinds of flying from offshore in the oil industry, to firefighting, search and rescue, forestry, environmental protection, sight seeing, television, movie and advertising photography and flight instruction.

Over 16,000 flight hours and still logging, Roger holds an ATP, Airplane Transport Pilot, the highest rating of the FAA, Federal Aviation Administration. He is rated in Single and Multi-engine fixed wing, Instrument, CFI, CFII, MEI, (Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instruments and Multi Engine Instructor), Single and Multi-Engine Sea, and Rotary Craft/Helicopter. He is type rated in Citation Jets and the BH-47.
Additionally, he holds an A&P Certificate, so as an Airframe and Power plant mechanic, he can maintain aircraft.

The Organizing Committee of the Al Ain International Aerobatic Championship, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, is adhered to bringing various notable teams every year to provide variety, thrill and education for the public, and also to looking for spectacular show acts for all ages, including comedy shows for kids and families. Many other surprises will be revealed in time.