The Royal Air Force Tucano Display team recently received its Public Display Authority. The Tucano display is a solo aerobatic routine, one of only 4 RAF solo displays this year. This season the Tucano will be piloted by Flight Lieutenant Dave Kirby. Dave was born and brought up in Leicester, and now lives in Poppleton, York, with his family. Over the winter Dave has been practising his routine and recently received Public Display Authority, which permits him to display in front of the public, from the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) No. 22 Training Group, Air Vice Marshal Mike Lloyd. The RAF Tucano T1 is scheduled to carry out over 60 displays at 40 different venues in the UK and overseas this summer.

 

Dave is supported this year by Flight Lieutenant Jon Trueman, the 2014 Tucano Display Manager. Jon will travel to every air show and provide commentary for the flying display. The 2014 display Tucano has received a special livery to commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. The scheme features a ‘cloud’ of poppies around the nose and the words ‘Lest we Forget’. Similarly the words and a single large poppy are emblazoned on the underside. The 2014 display sequence has been designed to maximise opportunities for spectators to see the special livery.

RAF Linton-on-Ouse Station Commander, Group Captain David Cooper, said: “I’m delighted that the Tucano Display team has received Public Display Authority; it is a reflection of the hard work and professionalism they’ve shown in developing this season’s display. The Team will now represent the Royal Air Force, No 1 Flying Training School and 72(R) Squadron at events nationwide, showing just why the world’s oldest military flying training school retains its reputation for excellence in flying standards and the delivery of world-class training to the RAF’s next generation of fast-jet pilots.”

The team are supporting 3 main charities in 2014: The Royal British Legion, by whose kind permission we use the poppy logo; the Royal Air Forces Association, who provide comradeship and support to the RAF family during and after their military service; and the John Egging Trust, who have developed a unique programme to help disadvantaged young people to achieve their full potential. Funds will also be given to a number of local charities to support the work of the RAF Linton-on-Ouse charities committee. The Royal British Legion’s Bob Gamble, Assistant Director Membership and Armed Forces Engagement, said: “We are delighted that the Tucano Display Team has chosen the Royal British Legion as their beneficiary charity in this poignant year as we commemorate 100 years since the First World War. The unique poppy design will be seen by thousands of spectators across the country and will serve as a reminder to all that we should never forget the sacrifices our Armed Forces made, and continue to make, for our freedom”.

 

The RAF Tucano is based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire, home to No. 72 (Reserve) Squadron. 72 Squadron provides flying training to Royal Air Force and Royal Navy students who have been selected to be future fast-jet pilots. On completing Basic Fast Jet Training on the Tucano, students are awarded their coveted pilot’s flying badge, or ‘wings’, and progress to fly the Hawk at RAF Valley. Following flying training, they convert to their front-line aircraft type and will be given the opportunity to fly the impressive multi-role Typhoon, the battle-proven Tornado, or the future state-of-the-art Lightning II. Pilot graduates from RAF Linton-on-Ouse aim to become the combat air power specialists of the future and expect to stand ready to protect the United Kingdom 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Editor: Flt Lt Jon Trueman