Back to The Team

Squadron Leader Tom Hansford

About Squadron Leader Tom Hansford

Red 7

Years with the Red Arrows: Second year
Joined the RAF: 2008

RAF Career

Tom joined the Royal Air Force in 2008 and completed flying training on the Tucano and Hawk T2 aircraft. He was selected to fly the Typhoon and was posted to 1(F) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in 2015.

While on the frontline, Tom participated in various multinational exercises and operations in Europe, North America, the Middle East and further afield, as well as Quick Reaction Alert duties in the UK and the Falkland Islands. His next postings were as a qualified weapons instructor to 3(F) Squadron and 29 Squadron, both at RAF Coningsby, teaching the latest tactics to the next generation of frontline Typhoon pilots.

Tom joined the Red Arrows for his first season in 2023.

Education and life before the RAF

  • Born in Inverness and grew up in Aberdeenshire, attending Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen.
  • Joined the RAF section of the Combined Cadet Force.
  • Studied physics at Oxford University.
  • Was a member of the University Air Squadron, flying the Tutor from RAF Benson.