Due to the growing popularity of the annual Al Khor Fly-in, plans are in the pipeline to add more aviation activities, including hot air balloons in future events.

"Adding more aircraft and hot air balloons will enhance the Al Khor Fly-in’s goal to educate the public on the aviation industry," Sheikh Abdulaziz Ahmed al-Thani, a member of the Qatar Air Sports Committee, told Gulf Times yesterday.

Asked if Qatar’s weather is suitable for flying hot air balloons, he said: “I’ve already seen hot air balloons flying in Doha about a couple of times before.”

Sheikh Abdulaziz is planning to propose the idea to event organisers. He also noted that the two-day event, which kicked-off yesterday in the presence of HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, aims to educate the public on the aviation industry and encourage people to try flying as a hobby or even as a career.

“Every year, the staging of the Al Khor Fly-in is improving, and audience participation is steadily growing; this year, the number of visitors and participants has increased.

“Not only is the event an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy this annual outdoor activity but the public’s positive reception to the air show means that people are becoming interested in aviation,” said Sheikh Abdulaziz, who is into skydiving and flies all types of microlight aircraft such as gyros, weight-shifts, fixed wings, and paramotors.

He said the Qatar Air Sports Committee “is always open” to any inquiries from the public and for those who are interested in aviation. “We would be very happy to assist them and educate them in this industry,” he added.

Qatari cadet pilot Mohamed Ali al-Mehaizaa of the Qatar Aeronautical College participated in the Al Khor Fly-in for the first time yesterday. He said the event provides the opportunity to encourage children to pursue a hobby in flying.

“Given the chance to orient children or young students about the joys of flying and exploring a career as a pilot or in aviation-related careers, I will definitely encourage them to consider learning more about aeronautics and how it can change their lives.

Aside from the youth, al-Mehaizza said he is also encouraging fellow Qataris to consider aviation. He said there is a growing number of Qataris enrolling in aviation schools.

“There is a steady increase in the number of Qataris taking up aviation but it really depends on the courses. Though the Qatari population is relatively small, I have seen a growing number of Qatari students wanting to become pilots or pursue a career in aeronautics.

“I encourage my fellow Qataris to try aviation, and it is a very good field and a promising career. Ground school is probably the toughest part of my training as a pilot, but once you’re past that, the flying is the most exciting part of it,” he said.