Display Pilot
Flight Lieutenant Rich Tomala
The 2026 RAF Tutor Display Pilot is Flight Lieutenant Rich Tomala.
Born in Pontypool, South Wales, Rich joined the RAF in 1996 having completed his Elementary Flying Training on the University of Wales Air Squadron where he flew the Bulldog. Following Multi-Engine Training on the Jetstream, he completed several “Front-line” Tours on the C-130 “Hercules”. In 2004, Rich graduated as a Qualified Flying Instructor and served with Northumbria, Yorkshire and Bristol Universities Air Squadron’s flying the Tutor. Promoted to Squadron Leader in 2008, he went on to Command the Universities of London Air Squadron.
Following several “Staff/Ground” tours, in 2014 Rich took advantage of a short-notice opportunity to return to the C-130 where he served as Deputy Officer Commanding 30 Squadron.
Promoted to Wing Commander in 2015, he took Command of 45 Sqn, initially flying the Kingair before overseeing the introduction of the Phenom into RAF service. Leaving “Regular Service” in 2021, Rich re-joined as a “Full Time Reserve Service” Flight Lieutenant and served as a QFI on 57 Squadron flying the Prefect. In 2025, Rich joined East Midlands Universities Air Squadron where he currently serves as a QFI. Being only one of a handful of pilots who have instructed on all aircraft types at RAF Cranwell, Rich has amassed 5000hrs in his 30-year career.
Display Manager
Flight Lieutenant Ross Edmunds
The 2026 Tutor Display Manager is Flight Lieutenant Ross Edmunds. Born in Surrey and raised in Hampshire, Ross joined the Royal Air Force in 2021. Prior to this, he studied Geography at the University of Nottingham, where he was a member of East Midlands Universities Air Squadron (EMUAS). During his time with the UAS, Ross was fortunate to experience flights in the C-130, Hawk and Chinook, alongside instructional flying in the Grob Tutor.
Following his commissioning into the RAF, Ross completed Elementary Flying Training at RAF Barkston Heath on the Grob Prefect. He has recently concluded his basic and advanced helicopter flying training at RAF Shawbury, flying the Juno and Jupiter helicopters. After the 2026 display season, Ross is due to begin training on the Chinook.