Red Arrows awarded 2013 public display authority
UK Crown Copyright/MoD 2013
On awarding the team’s PDA, Sir Stephen said: “The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have designed a display of precision formation flying that encapsulates the agility and demonstrates the pure flying qualities required in the Royal Air Force. The Reds are an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom and their displays are vividly demonstrating excellence in precision, teamwork and dynamic flying.
“The commitment of the Squadron, the pilots, the organisation and all who support them, work extremely hard throughout the year to achieve this degree of excellence, on the ground and in the air. They promote the Royal Air Force in the most positive way and continue to strive to be the best of the best for which they are recognised worldwide.”
The chief of the air staff and air officer commanding 22 (Training) Group, Air Vice Marshal Mike Lloyd, spent two days flying with the team, and observing the 2013 display on five separate occasions. They also observed two run-throughs of the full display. This was to ensure that the Team had satisfied the highest safety standards and also provided a display that was a credit to the RAF and the United Kingdom.
Lloyd said: “I am delighted that the Red Arrows have been awarded Public Display Authority for the 2013 season. They have completed an intense training period to work back up to the traditional 9 aircraft in close formation. This year, they are incorporating a few new formations, amongst which is the “Lancaster” in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid. I know the Team is excited about the 49th display season.”
It has been a nervous week for all the pilots especially the three new pilots who will be taking part in their first airshow after leaving Cyprus.
Team leader, Squadron Leader Jim Turner (Red 1) said: “After seven months of intensive training, finished off with an eight week deployment to Greece and Cyprus, I am extremely pleased to announce that the Red Arrows have been awarded public display approval. The Team have all worked exceptionally hard to get to this stage and we are very excited at the prospect of displaying in front of the public once again. The team have returned to displaying as a nine-ship for the 2013 Display Season and I am extremely proud of the way in which the entire team have worked together to achieve this important milestone. The team will return to our home-base at RAF Scampton on May 26 after a series of displays in Cyprus, Greece and France, where we will be taking part in the 60th anniversary celebrations for the French National Display Team, the Patrouille de France. I sincerely hope that you get the opportunity to see us at a display or a flypast this year and that the 2013 Display is every bit as good as past routines. I would like to extend my thanks and that of my Team for all the support we have had over the past year. Eclat.”
The Red Arrows will first UK display will be at Duxford Spring Airshow on May 26.
