The 2010 Display Workup

It takes about four months of intensive practice to produce a safe and entertaining aerobatic display. Even experienced display pilots require regular practice of their display routine to keep it tight, consistent and most importantly, safe. This is Tom Saunders' first year as a display pilot so extra care must be taken to ensure that he is well practiced and prepared to perform in front of the public.

All RAF display pilots are subject to intensive scrutiny by their chain of command and only when that chain of command is completely satisfied with the content and safety of the display will they be permitted to perform in front of the public. This process is known as the display work-up and issue of Public Display Authority (PDA). For Number 22 (Training) Group displays, PDA is issued by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) 22Gp who holds the rank of Air Vice Marshal. This year PDA is scheduled for 26th April when all four display aircraft (Hawk, Tucano, King Air and Tutor) will assemble at RAF Cranwell to perform their displays for the AOC. In the months prior to this day, the crews will be training hard to ensure that they give their best on the day. No part of this process is a mere formality. If there is any doubt as to the readiness or safety of the display, PDA will not be issued and the display for that year may not go ahead until the standard is achieved.

Tom started designing his 2010 display sequence as soon as he was selected in September 2009 and has been practising it since January 2010. He has succesfully performed practises at progressively lower base heights and has now been cleared to practice at the final display height of 500ft agl and 100ft for level flypasts. Tom will now refine his display before working on the Rolling and Flat shows.