New world record set at Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009

Westgate, who is an eight-time UK aerobatic champion in his S-1 glider, went one better than his own previous world record of 11 in front of the cheering Al Ain crowds.

"To be honest I lost count," said the grinning British pilot, who developed the highly specialised art of performing glider stunts while still attached to a tow plane.

"I had never done more than 11 before. It's a bit of a game for us to see if we can beat the record at airshows; it's very satisfying. The only thing that is restricting us as far as I can see at the moment is that we are running out of room in front of the grandstand!

"We'll have to see if we can achieve the physically impossible and perform turns on the tow, while turning a corner. Perhaps next year for Al Ain."

Westgate and his team are the only daredevils in the world capable of performing the difficult manoeuvre. However the ground-breaking pilot is training up current UK glider champion, Mike Newman, to perform the same stunt to satisfy demand for his team at British airshows.

"It's very tricky to learn," said Westgate. "Three years ago I was doing well if I could manage two turns on the tow, so it takes a while to get the hang of it."

Westgate said he hoped his record-breaking feat will secure him a place on the schedule at the next Al Ain Aerobatic Show, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the UAE Air Force.

"It's very important for us to do something major here in Al Ain," he said. "In the UK Al Ain is considered one of the top airshows and we know that only the cream of the crop fly here - and we would very much like to be invited back."

Faisal Al Sheikh, Major Event's Division of ADTA, heralded the world-record: "This is another historic milestone for the Al Ain Aerobatic Show. We said before the event began that we would strive to bring the best. This proves that we are on the right track.

"For Al Ain to be associated with a world-record is fantastic, and with still two more days left of the show, we hope to see more."

The Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2009 has a high-profile sponsorship line-up including Pilatus, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Etihad Airways and Al Ain Mineral Water as Gold sponsors; Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and Tourism Development & Investment Company as Silver sponsors and Emirates Motor Company as the official vehicle sponsor. It is supported by Abu Dhabi Airports Company.