Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team Gains New Pilots

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic team, The Red Arrows, has added 3 new pilots to its roster for the 2022 Display Season. The crew has begun training at RAF Scampton and, subject to Public Display Authority approval, will see performance before the public from early June 2022 both at home in the United Kingdom and abroad at select airshows. 

The mantle of Red 2 has been taken up by Flight Lieutenant Stuart Roberts for next year. Lt Roberts joined the service in 2009 where he predominately flew the Typhoon aircraft in NATO air policing duties in Estonia. Throughout his career, the Lt has flown missions from Estonia to the Falkland Islands as a quick reaction alert pilot. He is excited to join the legendary team, saying: 

"I vividly remember seeing the team display as a young boy but, as I have spent more time in the Royal Air Force and had more insight into how the Red Arrows operate, I was drawn towards applying by its clear, common goal and the high levels of teamwork required from everyone involved to generate a consistent, world-leading display.”

Red 3 will be filled by Flight Lieutenant Patrick Kershaw, a former Tornado GR4 pilot. Selected for jet service after joining in 2006, he flew out of RAF Marham with deployments into North Africa and the Middle East as well as numerous multinational exercises. Recently, Lt. Kershaw has flown the Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby. Like the others, he sees his addition to the Red Arrows as exemplary of some of the highest virtues of demonstration flying. 

"Innovation, precision, teamwork are all at the forefront of what we do in the team and these qualities are shared throughout numerous industries in the UK. Being able to represent this as an ambassador for the next three years will be a privilege and honour.” 

Both Flt Lts Roberts and Kershaw will serve as 2 of 9 display pilots for the season. 

Beginning in March 2022, Squadron Leader Graeme Muscat will join the crew, a veteran of the Royal Air Force since 1995. Beginning as a Communications System Analyst, later a Non-Commissioned Aircrew Air Signaller, he obtained a coveted selection for Commission and pilot training in 2003. Sqn Ldr Muscat flew the Tornado GR4 on the frontlines as well as many international exercises, most recently as a Flight Commander on the Hawk T2 at RAF Valley. 

On his addition to the team, he said "The Red Arrows are the best of the British. The fact I can now stand as an 'ambassador' not only for the United Kingdom but also for the Royal Air Force is amazing and one which will be the highlight of my career to date and one I'm extremely humbled and proud to be doing.”

FMI: www.raf.mod.uk