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Flight Lieutenant Rob Thomas

About Flight Lieutenant Rob Thomas

Red 2

Years with the Red Arrows: 2026 is his second season with the team
Joined the RAF: 2006

RAF CAREER

After joining the RAF, Rob was selected for fast-jet training at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and RAF Valley. Following advanced flying training, Rob was selected to be a “Creamie” qualified flying instructor on the Hawk T1 at Valley. The term Creamie is traditionally given to pilots who are selected to become flying instructors due to being above average through their advanced flying training.

Rob was then posted to RAF Coningsby, where he flew the Typhoon FGR4 with 3(F) Squadron. During his frontline tour, Rob flew multiple exercises and operations, including providing Quick Reaction Alert to safeguard the skies in the UK and the Falkland Islands.

Rob was then posted to 29(R) Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, as an instructor for four years. He then worked alongside BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia as a secondee, instructing pilots and weapon system operators on the Hawk T165.

Rob then returned to the Typhoon Frontline with 3(F) Squadron where he continued to deploy across the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Falkland Islands.

EDUCATION AND LIFE BEFORE THE RAF

  • Born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
  • Educated at Salterford House School and Trent College in Nottinghamshire
  • Studied aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University
  • Member of East Midlands University Air Squadron
  • Played semi-professional rugby for Leicester Lions and become a qualified Joint Service Ski Instructor while at university