OVER 100,000 flight fans are expected to pack out the city centre on Sunday, September 15 as a once-in-lifetime event takes place in the skies over Dublin.
The inaugural FlightFest will see all manner and make of aircraft arriving over the capital where they will amaze the crowds with a series of low level passes.
Some the of world’s most iconic aircraft are taking part including the legendary Sally B, an American World War Two era B-17 bomber.
Known affectionately by its crews as the Flying Fortress, the Sally B is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe.
She is based in the UK from where she flies regularly at air shows, memorial flypasts and commemorative events as a memorial to the USAAF in Europe who fought in the skies over Germany during the war.
Also joining in the fly past will be a Royal Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules, an Aer Lingus Dh-84 Dragon (Iolar) as well as more modern aircraft like the British Airways Airbus A380.
There will also be another World War Two vintage aircraft in the guise of the Plane Sailing Air Displays PBY-5A Catalina flying boat as well as the Irish Coast Guard (CHC)’s Sikorsky S61 helicopter.
The unique once-off event is being organised by the Irish Aviation Authority and Dublin City Council as part of The Gathering Ireland 2013.
Eamonn Brennan, the Chief Executive IAA, said the level of interest in the FlightFest flypast on September 15 was growing by the day.
“This celebration of the aviation industry in Ireland has attracted the attention of people from all over Ireland and abroad,
? he said.
“So I would not be surprised to see 100,000 turning up for the event on the day.
“Thanks to the aircraft owners from all over the world we will see the A380, the biggest aircraft in the world fly up the Liffey with other aircraft representing almost every decade since 1930.
“FlightFest would not be possible without the support of the air finance and leasing sector and many other partners.
“We want this to be an event for the people,
? he added.
“We appreciate that some children who are in hospital will not be able to get to the event. So we have organised a special charity competition for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.
?
The FlightFest organisers have teamed up with the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street and ORBIS.
Both charities will be collecting at FlightFest and will also benefit from a text-based competition for return flights and accommodation to Istanbul.
To enter, text FLIGHTFEST to 53305. Lines close at midnight on September 12. You can also enter the competition at facebook.com/flightfest
The free, family event takes place between noon and 5pm on the day and extra public transport including buses, trains, and the Luas will be made available to those travelling in to see the show.