Once in a while come a calling for aircraft and aviation enthusiasts to renew and reaffirm their never ending love for planes and flying.
In Malaysia that calling used to come every alternate December but from 2013 onwards it comes earlier at March. Yes people, for those who are still mumbling words of confusion, I'm talking about air shows. We Malaysians are so blessed because not only we have one every year held at our own Langkawi, it also combines two prides of engineering together, aircraft and ships. But of course to a plane guy like me, it's the former that caught more attention.
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) for 2013 was held last week but me and my friends started planning over a year ago when the 2011 edition finished. That, however, didn't hinder us from a lot of hiccups during our stay at the legendary island. Notwithstanding, the whole trip was a joy, as no less was expected.
From flight delay to having to cram 5 boys into a room for two to difficulty finding bikes to hire to the scorching hot sun, we endured thru every hardship thrown at us just to catch Asia's 'biggest air show'.
This year's LIMA was actually my first since I missed the 2011 edition after AirAsia (who else?) delayed my flight scheduled on the last day of the expo.
The pictures below would not do justice to summarise #LIMA2013 but I insisted on uploading them since I've taken a great deal of effort and a hurtful dent to my pride to shoot photos with a bloody tablet. I also didn't take many photos at the maritime display since the battery's charge was weakening and so were my hands.
The other ride is a chopper.
The only proper shot from the expo hall.
This pair of earplugs saved my ears during the thumping load air performances.
TNI AU's CN-235.
An RMAF guy with a deserved proud pose beside an MiG-29.
Only a line-up of Ferraris and Lambos can be cooler.
Bomba sent their heli Mi-17 along with some friendly crews.
Inside Bomba's Mi-17.
On board Bomba's Mi-17. It was that askew inside.
Indonesia's CN-235 showing its capability to load Malaysians too.
I might have angled the shot a bit excessive.
DC-10's undercarriages. Of boogie type. I should know, I learned this a fortnight ago.
Nuri, still good for another two or three LIMAs maybe.
Aermacchi, used for our fighter pilots training.
From Russia's with load.
A PASKAU personnel guarding the audiences from getting too close with the jets.
Overall it was fun. The smashing air performances and the opportunity to get close to the beauties in the form of ships and planes did outweigh the flaws of the trip. I particularly enjoyed getting on board Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Jebat which was docked for public visit at Awana Porto Malai. And our RMAF MIG29s did us proud again, congratulations to the 'Smokey Bandits', as what they are known as.
Proof I've been LIMAued.
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