The RAF Red Arrows
The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom. Since the Team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.
The Red Arrows’ reputation is built on the commitment and professionalism, combined with Royal Air Force skills, training and equipment. Many of the Red Arrows’ pilots and support staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily detached on operations overseas during their time with the Red Arrows.
To apply for selection to The Red Arrows, pilots must first meet certain criteria:
- Have a minimum of 1,500 flying hours
- Completed a frontline tour
- Be assessed as above average in their flying role.
A short list of nine applicants are examined during a thorough selection week, and are put through a gruelling flying test, formal interview and peer assessments. The Team Leader must have completed a three-year tour as a Team pilot earlier in his career, and is appointed in a separate selection process. Reds 1 to 5 form the front section known as ‘Enid’, and Reds 6 to 9 are known as ‘Gypo’. The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, perform the highly popular opposition manoeuvres during the second half of the display sequence.