In October 2020, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team welcomed four new members for the season ahead.
Entering this year, on the 60th Anniversary of the RAF Falcons will be, Flight Lieutenant Stuart Philpott, as the Deputy Officer Commanding, Sergeant’s Doug McAll and Paddy Guillois, join as First Year Falcons and Corporal Ross Gill is the Team’s new second Survival Equipment Technician.
After spending several years at RAF Brize Norton, Flight Lieutenant Philpott is absolutely thrilled to join the Team, Stuart said:
“Becoming an RAF Falcon has been my ambition ever since I joined the RAF as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) 10 years ago. It is a huge privilege to be selected and an opportunity I intend on making the most of.”
Flight Lieutenant Stuart Philpott
Deputy Officer Commanding RAF Falcons
The Deputy Officer Commanding plays a pivotal role in assisting with the management of the Team, although Stuart won’t be display jumping this season, he will be undertaking the role as Drop Zone Safety Officer; ensuring each performance is carried out in a safe manner.
A significant career milestone for Doug and Paddy joining the RAF’s only parachute display team, they will spend the next three years on the Team, learning how to be a display parachutist and conducting free fall training to attain the coveted Military Free Fall Instructor qualification.
Sergeant Doug McAll said:
“I feel very proud to be part of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and I am looking forward to representing the RAF during the 20/21 display season.”
Sergeant Doug McAll
First Year Falcon
Sergeant Paddy Guillois said:
“I could not be happier to be joining the Team. I grew up in Carterton so I frequently saw the Falcons display but never truly knew if it would be possible to do that myself. From the age of 15 I started to look into how to become a Falcon and began gearing my training towards it. Throughout my military career this has always been my biggest goal.”
Sergeant Paddy Guillois
First Year Falcon
Finally, Corporal Ross Gill has the unique role of Survival Equipment Technician, Ross will work closely with his colleague to maintain the overall safety of all parachuting equipment, ranging from depth maintenance, rectification work and scheduled maintenance on reserve parachute assemblies.
Excited to join the Team, Ross said:
“I feel honoured and privileged to have been selected to join the Team, I would like to use this opportunity to inspire the next generation of potential RAF recruits.”
Corporal Ross Gill
Survival Equipment Technician
