Display work-up
The Typhoon Display Team work-up begins with the selection of the Display Pilot, usually in Jan/Feb of the preceding year. The selection is conducted by the Officer Commanding (OC) 29 Squadron, Typhoon Commander Air Wing (Ty CAW), and the Combat Air Force Commander (CAFC), 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. The Display Pilot is selected from the Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) serving on 29 Squadron.
Once selected, the new Display Pilot shadows their predecessor for the end of the season. 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, with new manoeuvres requiring AOC 1 Gp to approve them. The Display Pilot must design not only a Full Display but also a Rolling and Flat sequence, used in the event of poorer weather.
The Typhoon simulators are used to develop the display sequence prior to airborne work-up, prepare the Display Pilot for bad weather, and practice aircraft handling in the unlikely event of an emergency.
The airborne part of the work-up starts with practices of the sequence at a base height of 5000ft and must be completed at least twice and approved by Ty CAW. The sequence will progressively move down to the display height of 500ft; however, 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 to watch the display. They review the work-up and if content grants the Display Pilot PDA. This means they can then demonstrate the outstanding performance of Typhoon in front of crowds of hundreds of thousands of people during the summer display season.
Display Season Schedule
Applications for the 2026 display season have now closed.
If you have applied for a flypast for the 2026 season, official allocation letters will be emailed to event organisers approximately two months prior to the date of an event.
Application forms for 2027 will be available here by June 2026 and should be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Please be aware we are no longer accepting applications via post.
The deadlines for 2027 requests are as follows:
Display Applications: 30 September 2026
Flypast Applications: 30 November 2026
Please note that any request for a private event, such as weddings and birthdays, will not be considered.
If you have any queries about the application process, please contact the RAF Air Events Team at [email protected].