The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team have recently returned from the USA after completing their first winter training for the next display season.
The Falcons deployed to Lake Elsinore, California, in November for approximately four weeks to conduct intense training in preparation for the 2020 display season. The first week of Exercise Freefall Endeavour saw the Team focus on safe and consistent landings, whilst also learning advanced canopy piloting skills.
Flight Sergeant James Bruce, Team Coach said:
“This training programme was the first of many that I will lead and coach the Falcons through and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Exercise Freefall Endeavour. Conducting numerous descents per day was challenging but rewarding for us all as a Team, to see us come together for the first time and develop our skills in preparation for the 2020 display season.”
Flight Sergeant James Bruce
RAF Falcons Team Coach
As the week’s progressed the Team drew their attention to free fall training in preparation for the Falcons to receive their Military Free Fall Instructor qualifications. The other members of the team focused on their ‘camera flying skills’ which is a vital skill to learn in order to capture footage which the Falcons utilise for debriefs.
Sergeant Rob Menarry, First Year Falcon said:
“Exercise Freefall Endeavour proved to be a fantastic learning opportunity for me. The level of coaching we all received, by world leaders in the field I feel, has progressed my abilities immensely. Aside from the professional development, the trip allowed time to bond as a team, essential as we head in the ‘stacking’ trip and ultimately, the season ahead. Moving forward I’m keen to continue this steep learning curve, absorbing as much information as possible. The ideas that have been discussed for the 2020 season are exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing how they materialise.”
Sergeant Rob Menarry
First Year Falcon
