The 2017 World Fly-in Expo kicked off in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, on Nov 4, attracting thousands of athletes, pilots and trainers from 37 countries and regions.
The four-day event — including eight sectors and 30-plus programs — opened at the Hannan General Aviation Airport in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone (Hannan) , dubbed a "carnival in the air".
The US, Spain and Latvia are among the countries and regions which sent teams to the expo to present exciting air performances.
Wayne Mansfield, a 71-year old pilot from Boston with 50 years' experience, said flying is a quite challenging skill to master, and he's very proud to perform at the expo.
At the static air show area, more than 200 planes, accounting for 10 percent of China's general aviation planes, were on display. They included high-end corporate aircraft, cargo aircraft, sports aircraft as well as amateur-built airplanes.
According to the expo organizer, 100 pairs will tie the knot in a hot-air balloon wedding ceremony on Nov 6, setting a new Guinness World Record.
The expo offers various experiences and activities for visitors, such as VR piloting, paper plane making and graffiti.
Expo organizers said the event is a great opportunity for the public to learn about air sports and will help to boost the industry of aviation sports in China.
A helicopter stationed at the Hannan General Aviation Airport prior to the air show in Hubei province Nov 4. [Photo by Wang Yinuo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Frits Brink, president of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2017 World Fly-in Expo on Nov 4 in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. [Photo by Qiao Yuhao/chinadaily.com.cn]
Zhao Yong, deputy director of the General Administration of Sport of China, makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2017 World Fly-in Expo on Nov 4 in Wuhan, Hubei province. [Photo by Qiao Yuhao/chinadaily.com.cn]
