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| Royal Air Force Display Team |
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The Royal Air Force display aircraft includes the Typhoon T1/F2, Tornado F3, Tornado GR4, Harrier GR7/9,
Hercules C-130J, Nimrod MR2, Merlin HC3, Chinook HC Mk II, Hawk T1, Tucano T1, and Grob Tutor T1.
The RAF Falcons are the Royal Air Force's parachute display team.
The RAF Jaguar GR3 along with the Tornado F3 have had their last solo display season in 2005. Changes in how the RAF display their aircraft in 2007/2008 will see a new RAF Role Demo which will include an E-3 Sentry, Tornado F3s, Tornado Gr4s, Hawk T1s, Chinook HC2 (TBC), and Hercules C-130J (TBC). The Nimrod MR2 will not display due to overseas commitments and the gradual run-down of the MR2 in preparation for the new Nimrod MRA4 and the Harrier GR7 will not display in 2008 due to operational commitments. A new display item for 2008 will be the Super King Air B200.
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Changes in how the RAF display their aircraft in 2007/2008 are detailed at the bottom of this page which includes the new muti-role demos along with some photos.
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Royal Air Force Display Teams
Typhoon T1/F2
Typhoon T1/F2 2009 Display Dates/Venues
2009 Typhoon Display schedule
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The Typhoon is an agile, single seat, multi-role aircraft optimised for high altitude supersonic air combat but also capable of operating at much lower levels in the air-to-ground roles. It is built by a four-nation consortium comprised of companies from the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. The state-of-the art aircraft is set to be the RAF's major front-line type for many years to come, replacing the RAF's Tornado F3 fighters and Jaguar fighter-bombers in front-line service.
A Typhoon F.2 or T.1 of 29(R) Sqn will display in 2009.
Flight Lieutenant Scott Loughran has been selected as the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2009 Season.
See RAF Typhoon Display Team website.
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2009 Typhoon Pilot:
Flight Lieutenant Scott Loughran has been announced as the new Typhoon Display Pilot.
The pilot, from 29 (Reserve) Squadron, RAF Coningsby, is due to carry out his first public display at Duxford on 17 May.
Flt Lt Loughran said,
"I was delighted to be selected as the Typhoon Display pilot for 2009. I consider myself very lucky to be doing a job which is so challenging and rewarding and I do it with the support of a large number of very committed and skilled personnel. It is a privilege to fly such a formidable, cutting edge multi role aircraft and I hope that everyone will enjoy watching the display as much as I enjoy performing it."
Flt Lt Loughran was born in Paisley, Scotland. He grew up in Skelmorlie before moving to Largs and attended Largs Academy. He graduated from Glasgow University in 1995 having been a member of the University of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron (UGSAS) and joined the Royal Air Force in the same year as a Navigator. Having completed his Navigator training he joined 43(F) Squadron at RAF Leuchars and contributed to the F3’s presence on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) in the UK and Falkland Islands.
He was subsequently successful in his pursuit of a pilot cross-over and after basic flying training on the Tucano, converted to the Hawk at RAF Valley and completed the tactical phase in Cold Lake, Canada as part of the NATO Flying Training Course. At the end of Fast Jet Training Scott was selected to join the Jaguar Force at RAF Coltishall. Having completed the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) Scott was posted to 54(F) Squadron and immediately deployed with the Squadron to Turkey as part of Operation Northern Watch and the build up to Op Telic. He left 54 (F) Sqn shortly before they disbanded in 2005 but not before taking part in a number of overseas exercises in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Scott’s first role within the Typhoon Force was as an instructor within the Typhoon Training Facility. In July 2006 Scott joined 29(R) Squadron and on completion of the OCU remained on the Sqn and trained as a Typhoon Qualified Pilot Instructor (QPI), since then he has helped to train a number of the current Typhoon Force. At the end of the Display season Scott will take up an executive position on 6 Squadron, which will be re-formed to be the third Front Line Typhoon squadron and the first to operate from RAF Leuchars.
Tornado F3
Tornado F3 2009 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Tornado F3 display in 2009.
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The Tornado F3 is a 2 crew, variable geometry fighter aircraft and is powered by 2 Rolls Royce / Turbo Union RB199 Mk 104 afterburning turbofans producing thrust of upto 33,000lbs to a speed of 1,480mph. The Foxhunter radar provides an all-weather capability, allowing the use of beyond visual range weapon systems. Originally equipped with four Skyflash radar-guided medium range missiles and four AIM-9L Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles, the F3 can now be fitted with Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAMs). The aircraft also has an internally-mounted 27mm Mauser cannon on the right hand side of the forward fuselage, along with chaff dispensers and flares for protection from anti-aircraft missiles.
The Tornado F3 for the 2007 season is provided by 111 Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, and 25 Squadron, RAF Leeming.
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Tornado GR4
Tornado GR4 2009 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Tornado GR4 display in 2009.
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The Tornado GR4 is the latest version of the RAF's primary attack aircraft. Capable of supersonic speeds and flight at low-level, the aircraft is one of the most potent in the world today. A major feature of the Tornado is its 'Swing wings' (variable geometry) which when swept fully forward can fly slowly ideal for landing on short runways, or when swept back (68 degrees) can fly supersonically. Another innovative feature of the Tornado is the ability to use thrust-reverse to shorten landings.
The Tornado GR4 for the 2007 season is provided by XV (R) Squadron, which is based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
Display Crew for 2007 - To be announced.
See XV Squadron website.
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Harrier GR7/9
Harrier GR7/9 Display
The 2009 Harrier Demo has been cancelled.
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The British Aerospace Harrier is used by the RAF in the close air support role. In this, aircraft are usually employed in direct support of ground troops tackling such targets as enemy troop positions, tanks and artillery. The Harrier uses a variety of weapons such as laser and GPS-guided bombs against buildings (Paveway), infra-red missiles against tanks (Maverick), cluster munitions and general-purpose bombs. When required, the Harrier can also be fitted with a pod fitted with cameras to provide reconnaissance of the target and battle areas.
The Harrier display aircraft is supplied by 20 (R) Squadron.
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Hercules C-130J
Hercules C-130J 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Hercules C-130J display but will hopefully take part in the RAF Multi-role Demo, and be used by the RAF Falcons.
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The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is the most numerous transport aircraft in the West and has been in production longer than any other aircraft in history. The prototype flew in August 1954 and since then over 60 nations have ordered the Hercules. Those in use by the RAF are C-130K versions (known as Hercules C1 and C3), and the new second-generation C-130Js (known as Hercules C4 and C5). The Hercules C4/C5s are optimised for economical operation by the introduction of new Allison turboprop engines, 6-bladed composite propellers and a digital engine control system which increases take-off thrust by 29% and is 15% more efficient.
Based at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire the C-130J Hercules will be displaying in 2007.
Display Crew for 2007 - To be announced.
See C-130J Hercules Display Team website.
See C-130J 2006 Display Article.
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Nimrod MR2
Nimrod MR2 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No Nimrod MR2 display but MR4 took part at RIAT 2007.
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The Nimrod entered service in 1969 as the MR1 version. Based on the civilian Comet airliner, the Nimrod was, and remains, the only jet powered long range maritime patrol aircraft in military service. Offering the advantages of speed and height during transit, while still capable of long patrol periods and, in particular, stealth in the anti-submarine mission. (Propeller-engined aircraft make a discrete resonance that can be detected by submerged submarines whereas the jet noise of the Nimrod is virtually undetectable.)
As in 2005, and 2006 the RAF will probably not be displaying the Nimrod MR2 for the 2007 airshow season because of overseas commitments and the gradual run-down of the MR2 in preparation for the new Nimrod MRA4. However there may well be a Nimrod R.1 flypast at Waddington International Air Show 2007.
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Merlin HC3
Merlin HC3 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Unfortunately the RAF Merlin HC3 display has been withdrawn from the airshow circuit again for 2009 but will still appear in the static display at various airshows.
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The Merlin HC3 is the first of the next generation of medium support helicopters for the RAF. Twenty-two of the aircraft have been delivered and all serve with No 28 Squadron at RAF Benson.
The aircraft can be armed with two general purpose machine guns mounted in port and starboard cabin windows, and can be equipped with a wide variety of role equipment, including a rescue hoist and a roller floor to assist loading cargo via the rear ramp.
The Merlin HC3 display helicopter is from No.28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron based at RAF Benson.
Display Crew for 2007 include: Pilot - TBC, Co-Pilot - Flying Officer Kev Harris, Crewman - Sergeant Steve Thomas, and Sgt Dave Bryson, and Display Manager is Flight Sergeant Gareth Attridge.
See Merlin 2007 Display Article .
See Team Merlin website & on-line shop.
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2007 Merlin HC3 Crew:
Display Pilot:
To be confirmed shortly.
Display Co-Pilot:
Joining the team this year is 26 year old Flying Officer Kev Harris, who originates from Southampton. After joining the RAF in 2001 and completing Initial Officer Training he was posted to RAF Church Fenton for Basic Flying Training. Upon completion, he was streamed to the Rotary fleet and arrived at RAF Shawbury in early 2003. Kev received his Pilots Wings in November 2004 and then joined the Merlin Operational Conversion Course on 28 (AC) Squadron. Since then he has achieved over 700 hours on the Merlin and during this period he has been involved in many different exercises in the UK and abroad. More recently he has completed several overseas detachments including Operations in Iraq.
Crewman:
One of the Crewmen on the team this year is 29 year old Sergeant Steve Thomas, who returns for a second season after his stint on the team in 2005. Originating from Liverpool, he joined the RAF in 2000 and after training at DHFS Shawbury, he joined 28 (AC) Squadron in 2003 and converted to the Merlin Mk3. In this period of time has managed to accumulate over 1300 hours including tours in Bosnia and recently in support of Op Telic in Iraq. Steve is currently a Crewman Trainer on one of the Squadron’s Operational Flights.
Crewman:
Sharing the duties of the Crewman is 37 year old Sgt Dave Bryson. Originating from Stranraer, Scotland, Dave joins the team for the first time this year. After joining the RAF in 1999 as an Air Loadmaster, he was one of the last crewmen to be trained on the Wessex helicopter where he served with 72 Squadron based at RAF Aldergrove. Following the retirement of the Wessex, he joined 28 (AC) Squadron in 2002 and has currently achieved over a 1000 hours on the Merlin Mk3. This has included several overseas detachments including Bosnia and more recently the Gulf region. Dave is a Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) on the Operational Conversion Flight.
Display Manager:
The Team Manager is 36 year old Crewman instructor Flight Sergeant Gareth Attridge. Hailing from Middlesex, this is Gareth’s third year on the team. He joined the RAF in 1990 as an Air Loadmaster and after completion of training was posted to the C130 Hercules Wing at RAF Lyneham. He spent six years on 47 Squadron before transferring to the Support Helicopter Force. This was followed by four years on the Puma helicopter with 230 Squadron in Northern Ireland before moving across to his current position at RAF Benson. He is a Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) on one of 28 (AC) Squadron's Operational Flights. During his career so far, he has been on operational tours in Northern Ireland and the Balkans and more recently in the Gulf. Currently Gareth has achieved 4500 flying hours on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
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Chinook HC2
Chinook HC2 2009 Display Dates/Venues
Chinook 2009 Dates & Venues
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The RAF operates the largest fleet of Chinook support helicopters after the US Army. The Chinook Wing, which forms the heavy-lift element of the Joint Helicopter Command, is based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. Odiham supports three operational squadrons, No 7 Squadron, No 18 Squadron and No 27 Squadron, and the Operational Conversion Flight (OCF). Two aircraft are also flown by No 78 Squadron from Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands on support helicopter tasks.
The Chinook Display Team is based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire and is made up of personnel from Nos 18 and 27 Squadrons, both of which are based on the station.
Display Crew for 2009: -
Captain - Flt Lt Russ Norman,
Captain - Flt Lt Dave Deighton
Co-pilot - Flt Lt John Walmsley,
Co-pilot - Flt Lt Gary James,
Co-pilot - Sqn Ldr Morris Oxford,
Co-pilot - Flt Lt Dan Padbury,
Crewman - Sgt Craig Fairbrother,
Crewman - Sgt Rebecca Nicholls,
Crewman - Sgt Mark Gamson,
Crewman - Sgt Vince Bartlett.
See Chinook Display Team website.
See Chinook 2007 Display Article.
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2009 Chinook HC2 Crew:
Flight Lieutenant Russ Norman - Captain
Flt Lt Russ Norman is 30 years old and was born in Stretford, Manchester. He joined the RAF in Oct 2000 following 3 years at Sheffield University, and was a member of Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron. Following his commissioning in 2001 he was posted to the DHFS at RAF Shawbury. In 2002 Flt Lt Norman was selected to attend 18(B) Squadron's Chinook OCF at RAF Odiham before beginning his operational career in 2003 with 27 Squadron. Since then he has completed Operational Detachments in Iraq and more recently Afghanistan. Other exercises and detachments include the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Pakistan following the earthquake in Oct 2005, Europe and Africa. Flt Lt Norman is now a Training Captain, Air-test Pilot and is the 18(B) Sqn Pilot Standards Officer. This is his second year with the Chinook Display Team, having started last season as a Co-pilot before progressing to Display Captain for the second half of the season. He has so far amassed over 1800 hours total flying. In his spare time he enjoys running, hill walking and playing squash.
Flight Lieutenant Dave Deighton - Captain
Flt Lt Deighton always wanted to join the RAF as a pilot and at the age of 17 was awarded an RAF Flying Scholarship in Feb 1995, where he completed his first solo before passing his driving test. He then went on to complete Private Pilots Licence.Flt Lt Deighton graduated from University of Newcastle with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering in June 2000. During his time at university, he joined the Northumbrian Universities Air Squadron (NUAS), where he completed Elementary Flying Training on the Bulldog, which included aerobatics and formation training.After graduation from Initial Officer Training in Feb 2001, he began helicopter training at RAF Shawbury. Flt Lt Deighton graduated with his wings in Jun 2002 and was posted to RAF Odiham to fly the Chinook helicopter. Flt Lt Deighton was posted to 27 Sqn in Mar 03 following completion of the Operational Conversion Flight. During his time on 27 Sqn, Flt Lt Deighton has completed 2 tours in Iraq and 3 tours in Afghanistan. He was also involved with the Earth Quake relief effort in Pakistan in Oct 05. Flt Lt Deighton was also the co-pilot for the 2005 Chinook display team. In 2006 he graduated from Central Flying School as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) and was posted back to 27 Sqn as a QHI. Flt Lt Deighton has recently returned from his 4th Afghanistan earlier this year. Flt Lt Deighton has flown 2100 hrs since he joined the RAF.
Flight Lieutenant John Walmsley - Co-Pilot
Flt Lt John Walmsley was born in Edinburgh in 1980. He first started flying with the RAF at the age of 17 with an RAF Flying Scholarship. He continued flying as a member of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron while studying Modern Languages at Glasgow University. After being commissioned in 2003 he attended the DHFS at RAF Shawbury. In 2005 John was posted to RAF Odiham to the Chinook OCF, and then to B Flight on 18 (B) Squadron. His operational experience has been gained in Afghanistan, and other exercises and detachments include Northern Ireland, the Falkland Islands, Jordan and Morocco. With around 1300 hours of flying Flt Lt Walmsley is looking to become a Training Captain. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano, hill walking and travelling.
Flight Lieutenant Gary James - Co-Pilot
Born in Neath, South Wales in 1971, Gary read Engineering with German at university in Birmingham, graduating in 1994. After two years working in the public sector, Gary joined the Royal Air Force in 1996 as a Navigator. Following Initial Officer Training (IOT) and Navigator training on Bulldogs and Tucanos, Gary got his boyhood wish and was streamed Rotary. Graduation from the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury occurred in 1999 with a commencement of the Puma Operation Conversion Flight (OCF) later that year. A two-and-a-half year posting to 230 Sqn Pumas at RAF Aldergrove followed and a three year stint at 33 Sqn Pumas, RAF Benson began in 2002. Gulf War 2, otherwise known as Operation Telic 1, saw Gary begin his first of many tours to foreign lands, returning to Basrah in 2004 and Baghdad in 2005. A conversion to the Chinook took place during that winter. 2006 saw Gary take part in operations in the Falkland Islands, Beirut and his first tour of Afghanistan. Having now completed 3 tours of Afghanistan, Gary has amassed 2000 Rotary hours including 1200 on Puma and 700 on Chinook. This is his first year on the Display Crew and he is also the Team Manager.
Squadron Leader Morris Oxford- Co-Pilot
Flight Lieutenant Dan Padbury- Co-Pilot
Sgt Craig Fairbrother- Crewman
Sgt Fairbrother is 40 years old and comes from York. He joined the Royal Air Force in July 2002 having previously served for 12 years in the Army. Having completed flying training and operational conversion to the Chinook in 2004 he was posted to 18(B) Sqn, where he has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands. Sgt Fairbrother is a Crewman Trainer, Air Gunnery Instructor, SERE Officer and Physical Training Leader. This is his first year as part of the display team.
Sgt Rebecca Nicholls- Crewman
Sgt Nicholls is 29 years old and was born in Bedford. She joined the Royal Air Force in 2004 after completing a degree in Sport and Exercise Science at The University of Bath and a PGCE at DeMontfort University. She has served at RAF Odiham for the past two years. She is currently serving on 18 (B) Sqn, B Flight and returned from her second operational deployment to Afghanistan in February. This is Rebecca's first season on the display team. She enjoys swimming and is currently a member of the RAF Swimming and Waterpolo teams.
Sgt Mark Gamson- Crewman
Sgt Gamson joined the Royal Air Force in March 2005 as a WSOp (ALM) always hoping to be posted to the Chinook force. He had always wanted to work in a flying environment after being awarded an RAF Flying Scholarship when he was 16 years old during which he flew 16 hrs dual and 4.5 hours solo flying.He grew up in Woking, Surrey where he has lived most of his life and after completing his A-levels, served as a Surrey Police Officer for 5 years prior to joining the RAF.Sgt Gamson trained on the Dominie Tmk1 prior to being posted to 60 Sqn at RAF Shawbury for his rotary crewman training on the Griffin helicopter.He was posted to the Chinook Force at RAF Odiham in June 2006 where he currently serves on C Flt of 27 Sqn.Sgt Gamson has completed 2 operational tours of Afghanistan and has flown 800 hours since joining the RAF.
Sgt Vince Bartlett- Crewman
Sgt Bartlett is 30 years old and was born in Cambridge. He joined the RAF in January 2000 following studies to A level at Hinchinbrooke school, Huntingdon. During this time Sgt Bartlett was an active member of the air cadets and was a glider pilot by the age of 17. The air cadets also provided the first experience of tasking in the Chinook and from that point his career choice was clear. After non commissioned aircrew training at the RAF College Cranwell Sgt Bartlett progressed to Generic loadmaster training followed by further selection for rotary training. Sgt Bartlett was then posted to RAF Shawbury to learn basic rotary operations, tactics and search and rescue techniques in the Griffin HT1 aircraft. After gaining his loadmaster brevet Sgt Bartlett was posted to RAF Odiham and the mighty Chinook helicopter. In November 2002, after conversion to role on 18(B) Sqn, Sgt Bartlett was posted to serve on 27 Sqn where he serves presently. In his 7 years of frontline service Sgt Bartlett has operated the Chinook worldwide from the arctic circle to middle east by day and night, in all environments. He has supported operations and exercises globally including northern Ireland, the Falkland islands, Arctic Norway and Morrocco. Sgt Bartlett has completed 4 operational tours to Iraq and 5 to Afghanistan. He also deployed to provide military assistance to the 2005 G8 summit at Gleneagles. During his 7 years on the wing Sgt Bartlett has gained over 2000 hours on type. Sgt Bartlett is a crewman trainer responsible for training crewman to a combat ready standard and holds the post of the wing SERE Officer in which he generates training, procedures and equipment for any survival environment in which the Chinook may find itself. In this role Sgt Bartlett has attended survival courses from arctic Norway to the jungles of Belize and the deserts of Nevada. Sgt Bartlett is soon to graduate as a tactics instructor to teach the skills required to operate the Chinook safely at the forward edge of combat operations. In his spare time Sgt Bartlett is a keen Drummer and enjoys many outdoor activities from hill walking to climbing and kayaking.
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Hawk T1
Hawk T1 2009 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the 208 Sqn Hawk T1 2009 schedule.
Click here to see the new paint scheme for the 2009 Display Hawk T1.
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In the current RAF training programme, the Hawk T1 is the first jet aircraft that a student pilot will fly. An advanced, and very successful trainer, Hawk is used to teach operational tactics, air-to-air and air-to-ground firing, air combat and low-level operating procedures. Hawks are also flown by 100 Squadron from RAF Leeming in a wide variety of very specialised roles such as target facilities and specialist electronic warfare training. The Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standards Unit (JFACTSU) (also based at Leeming) use Hawks for their training requirements, as well as by many test establishments and the Royal Navy.
Flight Lieutenant Matt Barker is the 2009 display pilot.
See Hawk Display website.
See Hawk 2005 Display Article.
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2009 Display Hawk T1 pilot:
Flight Lieutenant Matt Barker, aged 31, was born in London and is the eldest of 2 children. He was educated at Langley Park School for Boys, Beckenham where he was a member of 578 Sqn Air Training Corps. He joined the RAF in 1996 as a sponsored student reading Geography at Loughborough University. It was here where he completed his elementary flying training on the Bulldog TMk1 at East Midlands University Air squadron.
He began Initial Officer Training at Royal Air Force Cranwell in 1999 and upon graduation was selected for fast jet training which he undertook on the Tucano and Hawk aircraft. Following his Tactical Weapons Training at NATO Flying Training in Canada, he was posted to the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Lossiemouth in 2003. From here he was posted to XIII Sqn at RAF Marham, Norfolk to fly in the strike/attack/recce role.
During his 3 year tour Matt participated in numerous exercises in North America, Canada, France and the Czech Republic as well as flying operational missions during deployments to the middle east. In 2006 he completed the Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) course on 208 Sqn at RAF Valley, Anglesey. He is currently part of the Central Flying School (CFS) at RAF Valley, and teaches pilots how to instruct on the Hawk. This is his first year as the display pilot.
In his spare time Matt enjoys many activities especially squash, hill walking, running and socialising.
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Tucano T1
Tucano T1 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the Tucano T1 2009 schedule.
The new colour scheme for the RAF Tucano
display aircraft can be seen here.
The RAF Tucano T1 display has been cancelled for 2009 due to the incident which took place during in March 2009.
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The Tucano was selected in 1985 to replace the RAF's Jet Provost basic flying training aircraft which had been in service since 1955.
Some seventy percent cheaper to operate than the Jet Provost, the Tucano used by the RAF differs from the version originally developed by Embraer of Brazil and used by many air forces across the globe. The main difference is the engine - the RAF choosing a Garrett turboprop over the standard Pratt and Whitney powerplant.
No 1 Flying Training School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse provides the aircraft and support for the RAF's Tucano Display for 2009.
The 2009 RAF Tutor display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Mike Rutland.
See Tucano Display website.
See Tucano 2003 Display Article.
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2009 Display Tucano T1 pilot:
The 2009 RAF Tutor display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Mike Rutland. Flight Lieutenant Mike Rutland, aged 33, was educated at Notre Dame School in Norwich. During his school years he was an air cadet with 759 Squadron in Beccles, Norfolk and his interest in aviation started there. Even at this early age he had the opportunity to fly both powered aircraft and gliders with the Air Cadets, and this culminated in him flying solo in a glider and being awarded a flying scholarship. He also flew, operating as a navigator in micro-light aircraft, in the National British Championships.
After leaving school, Mike went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University and he joined East Midlands University Air Squadron (EMUAS) where he flew the Bulldog T1. He represented EMUAS at the local inter-University Air Squadron trophy, the De-Havilland Cup.
Mike completed his Initial Officer Training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in February 1998 and returned to EMUAS for a short time to complete Elementary Flying Training. He was then streamed to fly Fast Jets and started Basic Fast Jet Training (BFJT) at 1 Sqn, 1 Flying Training School, at RAF Linton on Ouse where he first flew the Tucano T1. After BFJT Mike went on to Advanced Fast Jet Training at RAF Valley and was awarded his coveted wings in July 2000 after completing his conversion to the Hawk T1 on 208 Sqn. He then progressed to 19(F) Sqn, again at RAF Valley, to complete his Tactical Weapons Training.
Mike was selected to fly the Harrier GR7 and started at the Operational Conversion Unit in January 2001. On completion he was posted to IV (AC) Sqn at RAF Cottesmore where he remained until April 2004. During that time he conducted operations from Kuwait during Operation Telic I and participated in major exercises in the UK and Alaska.
After leaving the Harrier, Mike re-rolled to the Tornado GR4 and finished his Operational Conversion Unit training in December 2004. He was then posted to II(AC) Sqn at RAF Marham and participated in major exercises in Canada, USA and Europe. Also during his time on II(AC) Squadron he conducted two more operational detachments for Operation Telic, from Al Udeid.
Mike was posted back to RAF Linton on Ouse in 2007 to train as a flying instructor. When he is not flying air displays, he can be found instructing trainee Fast Jet pilots, as a Qualified Flying Instructor, with 207 Sqn.
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Grob Tutor T1
Grob Tutor T1 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the Grob Tutor T1 2009 schedule.
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The Grob Tutor T1 replaced the Royal Air Force's fleet of Bulldog primary training aircraft from 1999 onwards. Ninety of the new aircraft are used by University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights at 14 locations around the country. But unusually, the aircraft are not owned and maintained by the RAF, but carry civilian registrations and serviced under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Bombardier, the contractor, will own and maintain the aircraft, and at some sites also provide such essential flying support services as air traffic control and fire cover, saving the MoD an estimated £30 Million over the life of the 10 year contract.
The 2009 Grob Tutor T1 Display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Bill Ramsey.
See Tutor Display website.
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2009 Grob Tutor T1 pilot:
The 2009 RAF Tutor Display Pilot is Flight Lieutenant Bill Ramsey. Having retired in 2008 after 36 years of Regular RAF service, Bill is a Full Time Reservist Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) at the No 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) Instructor Training Squadron, recently allocated the title of 115 (Reserve) Squadron. Utilising the Grob Tutor aircraft, the Squadron trains qualified pilots of all 3 Services to become QFIs in the Elementary Flying Training role and gives post-graduate training to those already qualified. The primary role of No 1 Elementary Flying Training School is to give ab-initio student pilots their first steps on the road to becoming operational pilots.
During his career Bill has flown around 5500 hours in some 35 or so aircraft types – mainly Vulcan, Jet Provost, Tornado GR1 and Hawk but was also lucky enough to fly the Lancaster and Dakota with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1999. Apart from the UK he has served overseas in Germany and Saudi Arabia as well as visiting more countries than he can count in various appointments. His last flying tour was as the senior supervisor to the Red Arrows, accompanying the Team on many memorable occasions, particularly tours to Canada, the Middle and Far East. He is very much looking forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones during the 2009 Display Season.
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Beech King Air B200
King Air B200 2009 Display Dates/Venues
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The Beech King Air B200, the newest training aircraft in the RAF inventory, is a twin-engine turboprop monoplane, which first entered RAF service in 2004. It is used as an advanced, multi-engine pilot trainer by No 45(R) Squadron, which is part of No 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire. It is a well liked aircraft by it's crews and trainees.
No 45 Squadron formed at Gosport on 1st March 1916. During it's history it served in France during the first world war, Egypt and Iraq between the wars and the western desert and far east during the second world war. After the second world war the squadron stayed Asia seeing action in Maylaya. The sqaudron then reformed back in the UK with Hunters in 1970 before moving on to the Jaguar and Tornado.
In 1992, the squadron plate moved on the Jetsream multi engined training aircraft at Cranwell before converting onto the King Air in 2004.
See Beech King Air B200 webpage.
See 45 Sqn webpage.
See King Air 2009 article.
The Beech King Air B200 made its display debut in 2008. The King Air display is flown by Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from 45(Reserve) Squadron based at Royal Air Force Cranwell in Lincolnshire. For the 2009 display season, the aircraft will be flown by Flight Lieutenant Leon Creese and Flight Lieutenant Chris 'Kiwi' Enright.
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2009 KING AIR DISPLAY PILOTS
The King Air display is flown by Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from 45(Reserve) Squadron based at Royal Air Force Cranwell in Lincolnshire. For the 2009 display season, the aircraft will be flown by Flight Lieutenant Leon Creese and Flight Lieutenant Chris 'Kiwi' Enright.
Flight Lieutenant Leon Creese
Leon was born in Salisbury and raised in Ringwood, Hampshire. After education at Ringwood School and Brockenhurst College he joined the RAF as a direct entrant at the age of 19. After graduating from Initial Officer Training, Leon remained at RAF Cranwell where he completed flying training on the Jet Provost T5. On completion of multi-engine advanced flying training on the Jetstream T1 at RAF Finningley, he commenced the first of two operational tours on the C130K Hercules at RAF Lyneham in support of global operations including Kuwait, the Balkans and Sierra Leone. Following a short ground tour in support of Headquarters Training Group, Leon commenced training as a King Air QFI. Leon is in his fifth year on 45(R) Sqn where he has been responsible for the training and assessment of student pilots and, as a Central Flying School (CFS) Standards Flight instructor, the type conversion and continuation training of qualified flying instructors.
Flight Lieutenant Chris 'Kiwi' Enright
Chris, or 'Kiwi' as he is known, was born in Auckland, New Zealand and educated at Auckland Grammar School. After graduation from Otago University in Dunedin at the age of 23, he moved to the United Kingdom to join the Royal Air Force following in the footsteps of his father who trained alongside RAF pilots at RAF Cranwell in the 1950s and later displayed the Vampire for the RNZAF. After completing Initial Officer Training, Kiwi flew the Tucano T1 at RAF Linton on Ouse before commencing his multi-engine advanced flying training on the Jetstream T1 at RAF Cranwell. He worked in Italy to support E3D air operations during the Kosovo campaign before starting operational flying at RAF Brize Norton. Initially posted to 10 Squadron as a co-pilot he flew the VC10 in support of worldwide air transport and air-air refuelling operations. In 2004, he joined 101 Squadron as a VC10 captain, and has seen operations in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq. He returned to RAF Cranwell in 2007, where he joined 45(R) Sqn as a multi-engine qualified flying instructor for pilot training flying the King Air.
AIRCRAFT AND ROLE INFORMATION
The Beechcraft King Air B200 is a twin-engine turboprop which entered RAF service in 2004. It is used as a multi-engine advanced pilot trainer by No 45(Reserve) Squadron, which is part of No 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. Prior to flying the King Air, students who have been streamed to fly multi-engine aircraft at the end of elementary flying training undertake survival training and personal development training to prepare them for the rigours of operational service. They then join No 45(R) Squadron where they complete an additional 30 hours training on the multi-engine lead-in (MELIN) course, flying Firefly M260 aircraft. During the MELIN course, students are taught crew co-operation and procedural flying skills to prepare them for their advanced flying training on the King Air.
King Air students learn essential multi-engine techniques such as general handling, asymmetric flying, emergency handling and radio-aids navigation, and consolidate the multi-crew skills acquired on the MELIN course. As the course progresses, the emphasis shifts towards developing captaincy, crew resource management, and managing the King Air's advanced avionics systems. Students also learn advanced skills such as formation flying, low-level flying and airways navigation, and are expected to plan and manage composite missions involving several aircraft. On completion of the course students are awarded their coveted pilot's wings, and then undertake conversion to their frontline aircraft type at an Operational Conversion Unit. A variety of shorter King Air courses is available, with students' previous flying experience determining which course they undertake; this experience can be as little as 100 hours for a student arriving straight from elementary flying training, to several thousand hours for a qualified pilot transferring to the multi-engine role from fast jets or helicopters.
The King Air has performed extremely well throughout its first five years in RAF service, and has proved popular with students and instructors alike. In addition to its flying training role, the King Air can be used to carry up to 6 passengers or freight. Its combination of a well-proven airframe with advanced cockpit and systems make it an ideal training platform for the new generation of multi-engine aircraft entering RAF service. In 2008, the fleet of seven King Air B200s was augmented by two B200GTs which feature improved high level cruising performance and a fully electronic 'glass cockpit'. These can be identified by the red line on their fuselage side.
RAF Falcons
RAF Falcons 2009 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the RAF Falcons 2009 schedule.
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The Royal Air Force Falcons are renowned as the UK's premier military parachute display team. Each year, from May through to September they perform their unique and colourful aerial display at numerous venues nationwide. All the Falcons are selected from the RAF's qualified Parachute Jumping Instructors. Team members receive further intensive training to ensure that together, they are abe to perform the highly skilled freefall and canopy manoeuvres that culminate in the Team safely landing, in quick succession, in front of the spectators. The RAF Falcons are primarily supported by the C130 Hercules aircraft and crews from RAF Lyneham.
The Falcons are the RAF's Parachute Display Team which are made up from 3 officers and 10 senior NCOs who are all Physical Training Instructors from the Physical Education Branch at RAF Brize Norton.
Team for 2009:
Officer Commanding and Team Leader - Flt Lt Louise Buxton
Deputy Officer Commanding - Flt Lt Ruairidh Jackson
Team Coach - Flight Sergeant Toby Goodchild
Sgt Ceri Marshman
Sgt Steve Spencer
Sgt Jimmy O'Brien
Sgt Matt Allen
Sgt Tony Brookes
Sgt Martin Peace
Cpl Brian Wright
Cpl Matt Thomas
Cpl Mohammed Khazir - Survival Equipment Fitter
Cpl Ally Insch - Survival Equipment Fitter
Support Staff - Graham Liggins JP - Commentator (Voluntary).
See RAF Falcons Display website.
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2009 RAF multi-role Demos:
It has been decided, for a variety of reasons including resource availability, that there will not be a Role Demo in 2009.
The RAF multi-role demo displayed in 2007 and 2008.
2009 RAF Solo Displays:
The RAF will be displaying the Tutor, Hawk, King Air, Chinook and Typhoon as solo displays in 2009 with a similar number of appearances as last year except the King Air which after last years successful debut season will increase its appearances.
The Merlin HC3 will not be taking part in the flying display in 2009 but will be once again attend a number of shows and events with one of the new Merlin Mk3A helicopters on static display.
2009 Special Displays:
There may be one-off highlights such as Tornado F3 in formation with a Hunter at Kemble etc.
Photos of the new RAF Multi-Role Demo at Cosford & Kemble in 2007:
For further information please visit the official Royal Air Force website.
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