Hamish Mitchell and Wee DRAM to make a big splash at new air show

South Ayrshire Council have confirmed yet another exciting aerial display that's set to perform at this September's brand-new air show. 

Prestwick based Hamish Mitchell will entertain the crowds at The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight in his Cessna 172 sea plane.  

Often seen flying out of Prestwick Airport and over Ayr, this aircraft is a 1969 Cessna 172 FR172F Reims Rocket Floatplane. Sporting the registration 'G-DRAM', the aircraft is affectionately named 'Wee DRAM', which is very fitting given its new tartan painted tail! 

While Hamish is a much-loved local celeb, Wee DRAM is a becoming a bit of a celebrity too, having been in many TV programmes and adverts. The distinctive plane has been in Channel 4 and BBC shows including, Grace's Amazing Machines, Annika and even an advert featuring David Beckham. 

Hamish will put Wee DRAM through its paces at the air show, and deliver a surprisingly agile display of the aircraft, given that is has two large Wipline 2350-A floats attached to it.  

All being well with the weather and the tide, Hamish will perform a 'Splash and Go' on the sea, where he'll land briefly before taking off again. 

After the air show, Hamish will land G-DRAM back at Prestwick airport, but how does an aeroplane with two huge floats land on a runway? Attached to the floats are a set of small wheels, which can be lowered and raised to allow the seaplane to land on both its floats for water landings, but also on wheels for runway landings. 

CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon said: "It's fantastic that we have Hamish at the air show, as we want to have local aircraft display. Hamish will deliver a great display and is well known and respected across the local, national and international aviation scene".   

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: "We couldn't resist having this local iconic aeroplane join the line-up for the new air show.  I can't wait to see Hamish and Wee DRAM in action at the festival as part of the aerial display programme." 

South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: "It's always brilliant to have locals play a role in our events and festivals, so Hamish and Wee DRAM are a much-welcomed addition to Saturday's bill for the new air show."   

Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: "We're proud to have Hamish and his Cessna 172 sea plane on the impressive list of displays set to thrill the crowds at the air show.  To have a local resident take to the skies at the festival is a real bonus."

The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr shore front between Friday 8 - Sunday 10 September 2023. 

You can find out more about The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight at www.ayrshow.co.uk .