Where? Aqaba, Red Sea - Jordan
When? April 2010

The Royal Jordanian Falcons are a small group of Professionals that represent the excellence of Jordan aviation. Based in Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea this team and their five Extra 300-L aircraft can be seen on airshows around the world, but mainly around the Middle East and Europe.

During these events The RJ Falcons function as a highly specialized asset for the promotion of Jordan, serving as the country's "roving ambassadors". A recent visit to Jordan gave me a possibility to have a closer look at the Team and their way of working and training off season.

Royal Jordanian Falcons Extra 300L

Consisting of five pilots, all of them having a leave of around 3-4 years from their military jet pilot job, and four full time engineers this small group succeeds in completing a dense schedule of events during the summer season. The winter and spring months, when there is a really enjoyable climate around Aqaba, is used for maintenance of their aircraft as well as training new pilots.

the Maintenance Job

During one of these incentive for a new pilot I got the possibility to take a seat in the leading aircraft while performing all kinds of aerobatic maneuovers, including loopings, barrel rolls, flying upside-down, etc… - all of which are also presented in the RJ Falcons usual display sequence.

taking off for the Flight

going vertical...

With the deep blue sky and the glowing dessert sand constantly changing position in my field of view I got the opportunity to appreciate the hard work that the pilots are doing during each and every display sequence.

Display routine training

...and still having some more fun :)

Being lucky – and happy! - with my feet on the ground again I was even more impressed when the pilots went up again after only a short break to fly another training.

The Royal Jordanian Falcons Team

I hope that you have enjoyed these photos. If you want to find out more about the Royal Jordanian Falcons or their current schedule, then have a look at their website http://www.rjfalcons.com/

Thanks to all the team for your very kind hospitality and this unforgettable experience!