Flying the flag for France at Dubai '97 are the aerobatic aces of the Patrouille de France (left), a team which has been thrilling spectators at air shows for more than 44 years.
The eight Dassault Alpha Jet pilots who make up the team perform up to 20 formations during the daily display.
At times during the opening close-formation element of the display, they fly just 2m apart.
In the second 'act', two solo team members perform the trademark manoeuvres of the Patrouille: spectacular crossings and two-ship inversions.
The pilots, along with a substitute who can replace any other team member except the leader, train twice daily during winter in a rigorous schedule to prepare them for around 40 events from April to October.
Three new pilots are selected each year to undertake a three-year tour of duty with the team.
Each has more than 1,500 flying hours under the belt of his distinctive pale-blue flying suit.
So far, 157 pilots have been given the honour of representing their country in the air.
A dedicated team of engineers maintains the aircraft throughout the season; one member, the smoke device expert, is responsible for the equipment that leaves the lingering plumes of red, white and blue in the sky.
As ambassadors for France, the team is not just entertainment for airshow crowds, as a spokesman for the Patrouille here in Dubai explains: "The team acts as a special link between the civilian world and the French Air Force.
"It has, over the past 44 years, dazzled and thrilled with its boldness and harmony."
Apart from performing shows, the Patrouille "É has woken numerous vocations among the young."
Source: Flight Daily News