AS part of the 100th anniversary of aviation in Guyana, the Brazilian Smoke Squadron put on a thrilling display last Sunday, in which six T-27 Tucano airplanes took to the skies over the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of the Kitty seawall, just off Vlissengen Road. The show commences around 16:23hrs, and the airmen did many daring aerobatics and sequences, leaving trails of smoke in their wake, and breathless the sizeable audience of both adults and children who turned up at the location to witness the display of aerial acrobatics long before 16:00 hours.

But just before it exited the skies, the squadron drew a large heart as a gesture of appreciation, and this was well received by the crowd, which erupted in loud applause and shouts of approval.

The air show lasted for more than half an hour, and left its spectators awe-struck and simply amazed at the skills of the pilots as they did several sequences, including stopping the engines of the planes to give the appearance of falling out of the sky, but turning on the engines just in time to take the aircraft out of a dangerous dive.

The upside-down manoeuvres were also epic, and made persons climb to the roofs of their vehicles to get a better look at the stunts unfolding before their eyes.

The gathering was in expressive mood, “oohing” “wowing” and “aahing” as they stared at the planes doing several dangerous stunts as if they were crashing into each other, leaving a trail of thick smoke behind.

The second Brazilian Air Show to come to Guyana was well attended and greatly appreciated by all gathered, lining the seawall and the roadways from Vlissengen Road to Carifesta Avenue and its environs.

At a press conference to observe the centenary anniversary of aviation in Guyana, it was noted that in 1913, the first flight occurred in Guyana; and from then to now, there have been overwhelming developments in the aviation industry. This is evident in air travel in and out of Guyana, the number of airstrips spread across the country, the proliferation of private operators, training and continuous investments made towards the development of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle International Airport.

The inaugural flight, which had been undertaken by a German-American man, took off from the then Canon racecourse, which is now Bel Air Park, and flew around the city.

“In the history of our world, there are many important revolutions, social revolutions and revolutions in science and technology; and certainly, the fact that man made a breakthrough… to fly was indeed one of the great revolutions of this world,” President Ramotar said, adding that the impact of Man taking flight is being felt even to this day.

“The emphasis on globalisation has to do with the revolution in transportation, essentially air transportation, which has made leaps and bounds; and the revolution in communications… these two scientific revolutions have furthered the social revolution and the integration of our world,” President Ramotar said.

GCAA Director General Zulfikar Mohammed said the 100th anniversary marks a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and the aviation industry has many thrilling stories. Mohammed said that prior to World War II, aviation activities were limited; and thereafter, flights were embarked upon by the British and Americans who came to Guyana with private companies in the hinterland, hence the initial opening up of the hinterland regions. Mohammed applauded the Ali and Correia families for their contributions to the aviation industry, particularly in the provision of services to the interior. Thereafter, others such as Kayman Sankar and Ronald Reece joined the industry.

As part of Sunday’s activity, Minister Benn launched a model aircraft club for youths, which will give them a more formal introduction to the aviation industry.