Where to see a Display
Fight Lieutenant David-John ‘Gibbo’ Gibbs is conducting their second season as Display Pilot after a successful 2022 season. As a result of Gibbo’s previous experience, the work-up will culminate in the Tutor Display’s base height of 300ft.
The work-up is perhaps more aptly best thought of as a ‘work-down’ in heights. At the start of every season, no matter the pilot’s experience, the sequence begins from a safe general handling base height of 3000ft. The practices slowly work down in height to their display base height. For the Tutor, the display height is either 500ft or 300ft with 100ft low passes.
The initial practices are conducted in the local area of RAF Wittering utilising a ground feature for practice such as disused airfields. Once the pilot descends below their Initial Practice Height, they will practice overhead of RAF Wittering. The Tutor Display drops the base height from 3000ft to
- 1500ft
- 1000ft
- 500ft
- 300ft
Each height requires a minimum of 6 safe and successful practice displays, approved by the supervisory chain, before the display can drop the base height.
The nature of the Grob Tutor as a light aircraft compared to other RAF Display Teams particularly affects the display by the wind strength and direction. Months of practice allows the Display Pilot to gain the necessary experience with different weather conditions to conduct an exciting and accurate display.
The work-up culminates towards accreditation of a Public Display Authority (PDA). The entire supervisory chain up to Air Officer Commanding 22 Group personally visits RAF Wittering to watch the display and review the work-up. If awarded PDA, the Tutor Display will go on to display to crowds of hundreds of thousands throughout the season.
Request a Display 2023
If you have an event and wish to be considered for a display or flypast of any RAF asset then please complete the appropriate application form below.
Flypast Application Form 2023
Applications for flypasts in 2023 should be received by 30 November 22. RAF will not routinely conduct flypasts at corporate events or at private events such as Weddings, Birthdays or Funerals etc.
Display Application Form 2023
Applications for displays in 2023 should be received by 31 September 22. Aerobatic Displays can only be conducted at recognised display venues under the supervision of a CAA accredited Flying Display Director.
Completed application forms should be sent electronically to the RAF Air Events Team at:
The AET can be contacted on the email above or on 020 8833 8063 or 020 8833 8769
