Official approval has been given to the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, to display in 2014 – its 50th season.
The Team was formally awarded its 2014 Public Display Authority (PDA) earlier today, after months of intensive preparation by its pilots, engineers and support staff.
Following the approval, the Red Arrows’ pilots were allowed to change from their green coveralls, used during training, into their iconic red flying suits, which are worn during the season.
The first UK show of the year for the Red Arrows is on Saturday, May 31 at Falmouth, Cornwall, to coincide with the Pendennis CupIt is one of more than 80 displays planned this season for the Team, which is the public face of the Royal Air Force and showcases the speed, agility and precision of the Service.
Squadron Leader Jim Turner, Team Leader and Red 1, said: “Being awarded Public Display Authority for 2014, the Red Arrows’ 50th season, is a proud moment for everyone involved and is testimony to the dedication and constant strive for excellence which have always been hallmarks of the Team and the Royal Air Force.”
The Team’s engineers and support staff, who number more than 100, also changed their coveralls following PDA – into their famous royal blue flying suits. The final part of the PDA process took place at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus this week.
The base hosts the Red Arrows for a two-month spring training exercise, with the Team using the island’s fine weather to perfect their 21-minute display, which involves a combination of synchronised formation aerobatics followed by a more dynamic second half show.
For PDA, the Royal Air Force’s Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Greg Bagwell, and Air Officer Commanding 22 Training Group, Air Vice-Marshall Mike Lloyd, observed all aspects of the Team at work and its preparation for the season, including five separate displays.
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