Display work-up
The Typhoon Display Team work-up begins with the selection of the Display Pilot, usually in Oct/Nov of the preceding season. The selection is conducted by the Officer Commanding (OC) 29 Squadron, Station Commander (Stn Cdr) RAF Coningsby and the Combat Air Force Commander (CA FC) with the final decision being made by Air Officer Commanding (AOC) No 1 Group (1 Gp). The selection is based on previous experience and ability as a Typhoon Pilot. Currently the Display Pilot is selected from the Qualified Pilot Instructors serving on 29 Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit (OCU).
Once selected the new Display Pilot shadows his predecessor for the end of the season and has the opportunity to fly in display practices flown at RAF Coningsby for currency. During this time the Display Pilot is tasked with designing their display sequence. The sequence is usually made up of previously approved aerobatic manoeuvres that can be flown in Typhoon. New manoeuvres require AOC 1 Gp to approve them. The Display Pilot must design not only a Full Display but also a Limited and Flat sequence used in the event of poorer weather.
During sequence development the Typhoon simulators are used to check the sequence before the airborne work-up is started. The simulator is also used throughout the work-up to prepare the Display Pilot for bad weather (including strong winds) and to practice aircraft handling in the unlikely event of an emergency during a display to ensure complete safety for the crowd.
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The airborne part of the work-up starts with practices of the sequence at a base height of 5000ft, which is the normal minimum height that all Typhoon pilots can perform aerobatics. These flights are usually flown using straight line features such as coastlines, roads or runways in the local area surrounding RAF Coningsby. The full sequence must be flown at least twice before the work-up (or down in effect) continues. Following successful completion of the 5000ft display practices the sequence is approved by TFC and the Display Pilot conducts a check flight with their Supervisor. They are then subsequently cleared to practice below 5000ft and moves their work-up to overhead RAF Coningsby.
The work-up continues progressively stepping down base heights from 1500ft to 500ft. A predefined number of practises at each height is to be achieved. At the final display height of 500ft, level turns and flypasts can also be conducted at 300ft and 100ft respectively.
The end of the work-up is the awarding of the Public Display Authority (PDA). AOC 1 Gp personally visits RAF Coningsby watches the display, reviews the work-up and if content grants the Display Pilot PDA, meaning they can then demonstrate the outstanding performance of Typhoon in front of crowds of hundreds of thousands of people during the summer display season.
Request a Display 2025
The RAF will not routinely conduct flypasts at corporate events or at private events such as weddings, birthdays or funerals etc.
The application deadline for 2025 flypast and display requests has now passed and late requests will not be considered.
Applications for the 2026 display season will be available on this site by the end of June 2025. The deadlines for 2025 requests will be as follows:
- Display Applications: 30 September 2025
- Flypast Applications: 30 November 2025
Flying displays can only be conducted at recognised display venues under the supervision of a CAA-accredited flying display director.
All correspondence to the RAF Air Events Team should be sent electronically to [email protected]. Please be aware we are no longer accepting applications via post.
