21 Oct 2015
Graduate joins Red Arrows display team
University graduate, Flight Lieutenant Si Taylor, is embarking on six months of intensive training in preparation for the Red Arrows display team.
Ergonomics graduate, Flight Lieutenant Taylor, joined the Royal Air Force in 2003 and has experience flying both the Tornado GR4 and Typhoon aircraft.
To be considered for selection by the Red Arrows, pilots must prove themselves to have exceptional flying ability with at least 1,500 fast jet hours and experience flying operationally.
The Red Arrows are ambassadors for the United Kingdom and showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force. Flight Lieutenant Taylor will be one of nine display pilots flying Hawk fast jets in formation to millions of people at home and overseas.
He comments: “I can’t imagine a bigger professional honour than putting on a red suit and flying as part of the team. It still hasn’t sunk in yet to be honest. Like every pilot in the RAF, you always want to be the best you can and for me the Red Arrows always epitomised the height of professionalism and flying ability.
“Aerobatic display flying will be a very different but no less difficult challenge to operational flying. I actually think this will be the hardest flying challenge I’ve faced.”