Red 2

Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank

Ben flew the Harrier GR9 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.

Age – 30

Education - Attended King’s School, Worcester, where he completed a flying scholarship aged 17. He read Geography at the University of Reading, with a Royal Air Force Bursary. During his studies at the University of Reading, Ben was a member of the Oxford University Air Squadron where he completed his elementary flying training.

Career - Ben joined the Royal Air Force in 2000 and was selected for fast jet training, flying the Tucano and Hawk aircraft. On completion of his Advanced flying training, Ben became a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Hawk at Royal Air Force Valley, teaching both students and instructors. Following Tactical Weapons Training he was posted to 1(F) Squadron where he flew the Harrier GR9 in a ground attack role, conducting operational missions in Afghanistan and NATO exercises in the USA and UK.

Background - Ben was born and raised in Worcestershire. He became interested in joining the Royal Air Force at an early age after seeing television coverage of fast-jet aircraft involved in the first Gulf War. He has been married to Amy for three years and in his spare time enjoys golf, surfing and playing the electric guitar.