Flight Lieutenant Martin Pert

Martin flew the Harrier GR7/9 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team

Age - 31

Education - Martin commenced his schooling in Scotland before moving South and completing his A-Levels at Parmiter’s School, Garston, during which time he was also a member of 2(F) (Watford) Sqn Air Training Corps. Martin was awarded a Royal Air Force Sixth Form scholarship and also completed the Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship, gaining his Private Pilot’s Licence aged 17. After completing A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, Martin now studies in his spare time for an Open University Mathematics degree.

Career - Martin joined the Royal Air Force in Feb 2000 as a non-graduate Direct Entrant Officer Cadet. After Initial Officer Training he completed Joint Elementary Flying Training at RAF Church Fenton. Selected for fast jet duties, Martin flew the Tucano and Hawk before becoming a ‘Creamie’ Qualified Flying Instructor on the Hawk at Royal Air Force Valley. In 2006, aged 25, Martin was the Royal Air Force Hawk solo display pilot. Martin then went on to complete the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit and was posted to 1(F) Sqn, RAF Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR7/9. Whilst on 1(F) Sqn, he served on operations over Afghanistan, flying Close Air Support missions in support of both UK and multi-national ground forces on Operation HERRICK. He has also completed many large-scale exercises in the UK, USA and all over Europe operating from both land and sea, embarked on HMS Ark Royal. In 2010 he became the 1(F) Sqn Qualified Flying Instructor and was proud to conduct the last sortie to honour the Harrier GR9 bow out of service. In Feb 2011, Martin was posted to 100 Sqn, RAF Leeming.

Background - Born in Paisley, just outside Glasgow, Martin was raised in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire. He is attracted to all things aviation and still flies light aircraft when he can. Martin ski's, cycles, kite-surfs and runs 4-5 times a week in an attempt to keep fit. He aspires to complete the New York Marathon before he is 40! Martin lives in Stamford with his wife Susie and young son Fraser.