Lincolnshire’s very own aerobatic display team, the RAF Red Arrows, have arrived back at their base of RAF Scampton after a six-week overseas training programme.
The team was formally awarded its Public Display Authority (PDA) on April 30, marking the start of the 51st season for the Red Arrows, who will perform in more than 80 displays this summer.
The Red Arrows returning to their RAF Scampton base. Photo: RAF Red Arrows
This season will be the first as Team Leader for Squadron Leader David Montenegro, and crowds will be able to see the new Union flag-inspired design on the jets at the displays.
He said: “The award of Public Display Authority is the culmination of seven months of tireless training by the team pilots, precision engineering by our technicians and constant effort by all members of the Squadron.
“On behalf of all of the team, we are hugely looking forward to performing the 2015 display and meeting members of the UK public throughout the next five months.”
A look at the new design for the Red Arrows. Photo SAC Craig Marshall, MoD/Crown Copyright 2015
Training for the new season began in October last year, at the Red Arrows’ home base of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
Beginning with small groups of three or four aircraft, the training develops – with pilots flying three times a day, five days a week – until the team’s full nine-ship formation comes together around February or March.
The final part of the PDA process took place at the Hellenic Air Force Base (HAF) in Tanagra, Greece, this week.
The team’s first UK appearance is a flypast over central London on Sunday, May 10, as part of events to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
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