Red Arrows begin 2009 display season
20 May 09
The RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, officially began its 2009 display season on Monday this week with the team successfully gaining its Public Display Authority at the end of a gruelling eight-month training schedule.
Red Arrows Hawk jets Red Six and Seven cross during the Palm Split over RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus (stock image)
[Picture: Corporal Andy Benson]
The Public Display Authority was granted on Monday 18 May 2009 by Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Moran, Commander-in-Chief Air Command of the Royal Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Moran travelled to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus where the team has been temporarily based for just over a month perfecting the 2009 display sequence.
Air Chief Marshal Moran was joined by Air Vice Marshal Baz North and Air Vice Marshal Dick Garwood for the important day, when the team performed its 2009 aerobatic display to the highest standard of excellence, professionalism and safety required by the Royal Air Force to be granted the authority to display in front of the public.
The team's first UK display of the season will be over the Bank Holiday weekend at Southend Festival of the Air. The team will display at 1609hrs on Sunday 24 May and at 1503hrs on Monday 25 May. The team will be on the ground at Southend Festival of the Air on Monday from 1045hrs to 1245hrs to meet their fans and sign autographs.
Members of the Red Arrows with the team's world-famous Hawk jets at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
[Picture: Corporal Andy Benson]
Wing Commander Jas Hawker, Officer Commanding and Team Leader of the Red Arrows, said:
"Being granted the Public Display Authority is the culmination of eight months of incredibly demanding training to ensure our display is to the highest standard of excellence expected from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
"We are very proud to have been granted the authority for the 2009 season and are looking forward to demonstrating the skills and excellence of the Royal Air Force in front of many thousands of people in the UK and overseas this year."
2009 will be the Red Arrows' 45th display season. Since the team's creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,000 displays in 53 countries. Today the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas.
Red Seven of the Red Arrows screams past photographers waiting on a cliff edge during a practice display over RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus (stock image)
[Picture: Corporal Andy Benson]
They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise. The Royal Air Force has some 3,000 servicemen and women deployed overseas on operations at any one time.
Many of the Red Arrows' pilots and support staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily sent on operations overseas during their time with the Red Arrows. As soon as they leave the team, all will return to duties which directly support the Royal Air Force's operational commitments around the world.
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Please note that all displays are subject to the weather and operational commitments.