For 2019 the Tucano Display Team is back to show the aircraft off in its final year in RAF service. In April this year the team achieved PDA (Public Display Authority) for the first time since 2014. This is the public’s last opportunity to see the aircraft in action before the aircraft retires from RAF service in October 2019.
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The Tucano T1 is due to retire from the Royal Air Force after 30 years’ service - being replaced by the Texan T1. It first made its appearance at RAF Scampton, for trials, back in June 1988 and has been used to train generations of fast jet pilots and navigators. It has been on display this year at the famous air show known worldwide, The Royal International Air Tattoo.
A pilot from RAF Linton-on-Ouse was certified to fly the Tucano T1 as a display aircraft for the first time since 2014. Flight Lieutenant Liam Matthews is an instructor on 72 Squadron based at RAF Linton-On-Ouse, he trains upcoming fast jet pilots with the Tucano T1 for the RAF and RN, and was the lucky pilot to take to the skies this display season after a rigorous selection process.
“I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has been involved in getting us to this point, considering the last time the Tucano displayed was during the 2014 season. It’s been a big team effort to achieve PDA, and we are now really looking forward to displaying the Tucano to the public, during its final year of Service in the Royal Air Force.”
Flight Lieutenant Liam Matthews
72 Squadron
The newly reformed Tucano Display Team led by Lieutenant Matt Nightingale, Royal Navy, has been working for several months to achieve their Public Display Authority. This authority has now been achieved following a visit by the Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Air Vice Marshal Warren James CBE, to inspect the extensive preparations and planning that has been carried out.
The Tucano has served its purpose for its 30 years in service. All of our fast jet pilots and navigators would have taken to the skies in one of these through their vigorous training, spending hours in the cockpit honing their skills preparing for the operational field and next level of Aircraft.
Follow the Tacano Display team on Twitter @RAFTucanoTeam or on Instagram @raftucanodisplayteam