BENGALURU: The Breitling Wingwalkers, considered among the best aerial acrobatics teams in the world, is all set to enthral the public during the 10th edition of Aero India, scheduled to begin in the city on Wednesday.
The team, which is based in the United Kingdom, will perform in India for the first time and its acts of daredevilry include dancing and performing stunts on vintage aircraft. The team will perform twice a day (morning and evening) on all five days of the event.
The team, which has performed across Europe, Australia, China and the United Arab Emirates, says it is thrilled about its India debut. The full Wingwalkers team consists of six walkers and six pilots, but only three walkers and two pilots will be here for Aero India with their vintage Boeing Stearman biplanes.
Danielle Hughes, one of the Wingwalkers, told Express, “I am so excited to be part of the team that will perform at Aero India. This is the first time we will be performing in India, and I am looking forward to learning what the public thinks of wing walking.”
Aerobatics Show
The team will put up a show that will include formation passes, opposition crossovers and aerobatics such as loops and rolls. Towards the end of their display, the Wingwalkers will unstrap themselves from the static rig on the aircraft’s top wing and, secured by a waist harness, climb down to the cockpit to stand on one leg in an elegant pose.
However, wing walking is a risky business. When asked about the safety procedures that the team usually follows, pilot Martyn Carrington said the team rehearses extensively and the pilots are highly experienced. “Certain manoeuvres are only performed if weather conditions are suitable. The Wingwalkers receive extensive training in the art and are secured to the aircraft at all times with a five-point military-style harness,” he said.