Display Pilots

All nine Red Arrows display pilots are fast jet pilots from frontline Royal Air Force squadrons. In 2007, the Team has pilots from four of the Royal Air Force’s frontline fast jets; Tornado GR4, Harrier GR7, Tornado F3 and Jaguar GR3.

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.