Sharjah24: Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is celebrating the Emirati Civil Aviation Day (ECAD) marked every October 5, the landing of the first civil flight in Sharjah and UAE’s remarkable journey of development over the last 50 years, by displaying never-before-seen documents and photographs from the region’s first aviation school and some meteorological instruments used at Sharjah airport.
Gifted to SMA by Sharjah Civil Aviation, the instruments that were once used at the meteorological department in Sharjah since 1932, are showcased at Al Mahatta Museum in the presence of Sheikh Khalid Issam Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah and Aisha Deemas, Director of Executive Affairs at SMA.
As part of the celebration, ‘Sharjah, the First UAE Flying School’ exhibition is also held at Al Mahatta Museum and will run until September 2, 2022.
It features a collection of never-before-seen documents and photos that date back as far as 50 years, including pictures of the first woman to obtain a flying license from the aviation school.
The exhibition, timed to coincide with the Emirati Civil Aviation Day, show how the history of aviation in Sharjah has had an early start beginning with opening the region's first airport to launching its first ever aviation school.
Exhibits including photos, correspondence, and documents highlight the history of Al Mahatta airport, the first aviation school and its first woman student as well as the significant roles both entities have played in allowing an exchange of trade and culture with other countries of the world that paved the way for more achievements.
Displays also chronicle the events that led to the opening of the school by late Captain Adel Al Deeb, after he obtained a flying licence from England in 1970.
On May 16 1971, the school was officially opened with Al Deeb as its chairman until 1976.
The school’s first female student, Fatinah Al Beetar, shares her story as part of the exhibition.
Also on display loaned by his daughter, Nora Al Deeb, are Al Deeb’s daily flight records, his pilot licences and uniform.
Al Deeb graduated with a civil engineering degree and moved to the UAE in 1957. He witnessed the UAE’s union and helped build several projects in the country including schools and a hospital that carries his name.
In 2015, he passed away at his Ajman home following more than 50 years spent in the service of the UAE.
Designed in 1929-1930, only eight aircrafts of Hanno HP42 model were built.
Four of these, HP42W, were designed for European routes, while the other four, HP42E, were used in the Middle East and Africa.
For an optimal experience, please
