Typhoon Display Team

The 2019 Typhoon Display Team

The Typhoon display circuit is a culmination of months of hard work, detailed preparation and concerted effort by the team behind the display. Whilst it is the pilot who displays the aircraft, he cannot even begin to do his job without the unfaltering commitment and backing of the dedicated group of professionals that make up the Typhoon Display Team.

This year’s team, from 29 Squadron will comprise a specialist from every aircraft trade along with support and management teams to assist both the pilot and the trades, all of whom work closely together to bring you the dazzling spectacle that is the Typhoon Display.

The team look forward to the unique challenges that a display season brings and the opportunity to showcase the Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft to the general public.

2019 is looking to be a busy, but hugely exciting season for us. With the future of the Royal Air Force firmly in our sight we look forward to showcasing the mind blowing display of speed, power and agility by Flt Lt Jim Peterson and His Typhoon aircraft.

The Pilot

Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson

Following flying training, Jim was role-disposed to the Tornado GR4 in 2003. Jim crossed over to the Typhoon in 2006 and took up a position as a ground school and simulator instructor pilot in the Typhoon Training Facility at RAF Coningsby. Jim was posted to XI(F) Sqn in 2009 where he conducted Quick Reaction Alert duties in the UK and Falkland Islands and also flew on operations over Libya.

In 2015, Jim joined 29 Squadron where he is an ‘A2’ Qualified Flying Instructor. Outside of display flying he plays an active role on 29 Squadron teaching student pilots electronic warfare and how to operate Typhoon. In addition to his instructional duties, Jim also contributes to RAF Coningsby’s primary task of defending UK sovereign airspace on Quick Reaction Alert.

Ahead of this year’s display season, which will see Typhoon take to the skies at airshows across the UK and abroad, Jim considers it to be a ‘real privilege’ to be able to display the aircraft for a second year running. 

Jim re-designed his display so that it “looks tighter and more technical”, whilst displaying the immense power and acceleration of the Typhoon so that you can truly experience #PhoonTime.

Engineering

The Engineering Team

The display team consists of specialists in Mechanical Engineering, Avionics and Weapons Systems. These are the technicians you will see working directly on the aircraft at Air Shows.

The Engineering Team is split into three teams, each named after an aircraft type previously flown by 29 Squadron. The teams consist of five technicians, led by a SNCO and contain each of the three aircraft trades which means they are able to prepare the aircraft ready for each display.

The teams are made up of Engineers from 29 Squadron at RAF Coningsby, who are all volunteers and join the team in addition to their normal squadron duties. Volunteers go through a selection process which ensures that each team have the required engineering authorisations to be able to operate the aircraft from a different location during the season. They are very experienced with the right mix of trade skills to work in these small teams - with specialist skills such as Engine & Structural Health Monitoring to ensure any issues with the Typhoon are swiftly rectified. They will be working long and hard to ensure the Typhoon Display Team deliver #PhoonTime.

Team Phantom

Team Phantom is led by Sgt Chaz Merrel, ably assisted by A/Sgt Polly McKinlay, Cpl Matthew Wainwright, SAC(T) John Grimmer and SAC(T) Chris Jones.

Team Lightning

Team Lightning is led by Sgt Danny Lane, ably assisted by Cpl Mike Bevan, Cpl Martin Sherwin, SAC(T) Tom Rodrigues and SAC(T) Kain Birch.

Team Mosquito

Team Mosquito is led by Sgt Brad Newton, ably assisted by Cpl Simon Edwards, Cpl Max Baynes, SAC(T) Arran Vice and SAC(T) Josh England.

Public Relations

The PR Team are volunteers from 29 Squadron and personnel across RAF Coningsby led by PR Manager Chf Tech Mick Maw.

This is Mick's 1st year as the PR Manager on the team and his job is to manage PR personnel at all the events the Typhoon displays at; a job which goes well beyond just the Air Show season! Mick is assisted by Digital Media Manager SAC(T) Mike Trokis to keep you all constantly updated across all of our media platforms. This is also Mike's 2nd year on the team.

Mick's team includes personnel from across a wide range of ranks and trades including Aircraft Technicians, RAF Police, Suppliers, Survival Equipment Fitters, MT Driver's and a member from HR. The process aims to select those with experience from previous years on the PR team along with the introduction a number of fresh faces, to provide a widespread variety of trades, rank and service experience to give a balanced team to carry out their duties.

The team in full are:  F/O Tom Harrison (RAFP), CT Matt Dilks (A Tech M), Cpl Gavin Dodsworth (A Tech M), Cpl Mike Fleming (A Tech M), Cpl Lynne McMullon (AV), Cpl David Davies (MSC), Cpl Chelsea Paglumotan (RAFP), Cpl Stacey Musgrove (RAFP), Cpl Rachel Savill (RAFP), Cpl Paige Thompson (RAFP), SAC(T) Ryan Durnall (A Tech M), SAC(T) Jonathan Lee (A Tech M), SAC(T) Samuss Mussell (A T M), SAC Lucy Tomlinson (HR), SAC Tom North (MT), SAC Steven Ainge (MT), SAC Zoe Bell   (Supply), SAC Michael Coupland (FOA), SAC Chris Ray (FOA), SAC Louise Charlton (Supply), SAC Sam Gough (MT), SAC Hannah (Bastow), SAC Todd (SE Fitt), SAC Sara Griffiths (MT), SAC Emily Luker (Stacker) and Cpl Lucy Chambers (RAF Reserve).

These are the people you will see out working hard to promote the Typhoon Display Team and the Royal Air Force at Air Shows across the UK & Europe in 2019.

Ground Support System

Information Communication Technology (ICT) Technicians play a pivotal role in setting up, operating, and maintaining the vital Ground Support System (GSS) essential for continued maintenance of the Typhoon aircraft away from its main operating base. This is achieved by empowering Mechanical, Avionic and Weapons trades with the ICT capability to diagnose the critical engineering data produced by the aircraft's advanced computer systems.

The team in full are: Cpl Dan Kinnear, SAC(T) Richard Mclean, SAC(T) Dylan Harte, SAC(T) Edward Nussey-Waite, SAC(T) Michael Hills, SAC(T) James Bates.

The GSS Team may not always be seen at Air Shows but without their expertise, Flt Lt Peterson, the Typhoon aircraft and the team would simply not be able to operate across the UK & Europe in 2019. They are the unsung heroes of the team.