Red Arrows FAQ

The display season typically runs from late April or early May through to mid-September each year. The team performs Public Displays at airshows and events once they have received their Public Display Authority (PDA), usually from late May. Pre-season work-up flying begins in January at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The Red Arrows fly nine BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets for major national events and special occasions. However, due to ongoing airframe life management of the ageing Hawk T1 fleet, the team’s standard public display formation is currently seven aircraft, a measure expected to remain in place until around 2030. The team also maintains a small number of spare aircraft to cover maintenance and technical requirements. Each aircraft is numbered 1–9 for display purposes. A formal decision on a replacement aircraft for the Hawk T1 has not yet been announced.

The team has nine display pilots plus a Team Leader (Red 1). In addition there is a reserve pilot and the team is supported by ground crew, engineers, logistics staff and the Synchro Pair (Reds 6 and 7), who perform the opposition manoeuvres.

The Red Arrows were formed in 1964 and gave their first official display on 6 May 1965 at Fairford, making them one of the world's longest-running aerobatic display teams with over 60 years of continuous performances.

After decades at RAF Scampton, the Red Arrows are now based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. The move followed the closure of Scampton and marked a new chapter for the team, while keeping the Red Arrows in the county that has long been synonymous with their operations and training.

In a typical season the Red Arrows perform around 50+ displays and flypasts, including UK airshows, overseas events, and special flypasts for state occasions. The exact number varies year to year depending on the schedule and operational demands.

The team flies the BAE Systems Hawk T1, a twin-seat jet trainer first introduced in 1976. The Hawk has a top speed of around 620 mph (Mach 0.84) and is powered by a single Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour turbofan engine. The Red Arrows' aircraft are modified with smoke systems — oil injected into the exhaust produces red, white and blue coloured smoke.

The coloured smoke is produced by injecting dyed oil (diesel-based fluid) into the hot exhaust pipe. Red and blue are dyed; white smoke is produced using plain oil. The smoke systems are pod-mounted under the aircraft and pilots control them via a button in the cockpit.

In close formation the aircraft wingtips can be as little as 6–8 feet apart. The pilots train extensively to maintain these separations, which require absolute concentration and total trust in their colleagues.

Display speeds vary by manoeuvre but are typically between 300 and 450 knots (345–520 mph). The Synchro Pair can reach higher speeds during their crossing and opposition passes.

The Hawk T1 fleet is ageing and a replacement has been discussed for several years. As of 2026 no formal replacement programme has been announced, though the BAE Hawk T2 and various other platforms have been mooted. The current aircraft are being maintained to preserve and extend their service lives.

To fly with the Red Arrows you must be a serving RAF fast jet pilot with at least 1,500 flying hours and a tour on a front-line fast jet squadron (typically Typhoon or previously Tornado). Pilots apply voluntarily and are selected through a rigorous assessment process including flying evaluations, interviews and peer assessment. There is no direct civilian application route.

Display pilots serve for three years. In their first year they fly as "new boys" in the outer positions of the formation. By year two they move into more prominent roles, and in year three they may become the Synchro Pair (Reds 6 and 7) or step into leadership positions. The Team Leader (Red 1) serves for three years in that role.

Red Arrows pilots are serving RAF officers and are paid according to standard RAF pay scales. A Flight Lieutenant (typical rank for a display pilot) earns approximately £48,000–£65,000 per year depending on experience and seniority. This is not a premium role financially — pilots join for the prestige, challenge and unique experience rather than additional pay.

During the winter training season (January–April) pilots fly multiple sorties per day, building up from pairs to the full nine-aircraft formation. Over a full year including the display season, Red Arrows pilots typically log several hundred hours on the Hawk alone, in addition to any other duties.

Red Arrows pilots are serving Royal Air Force officers, not full-time display pilots for their entire careers. Joining the team is normally a temporary posting lasting several display seasons. After leaving the Red Arrows, pilots typically return to other RAF duties, including frontline flying, training and instructional roles, or staff appointments..

Display locations are usually announced by event organisers several months in advance, though exact timings may not be confirmed until closer to the date. NOTAM data — which this site uses — is typically published a few weeks to a few days before the event. Always check official event websites for the latest confirmed timings.

Yes. The Red Arrows are an operational RAF asset and displays can be cancelled at any time due to weather, aircraft unserviceability, or operational RAF requirements. Fog, low cloud, or strong crosswinds at a display site can cause last-minute cancellations even on the day. Always check event social media on the day.

The best views are from official display lines at airshows such as RIAT, Farnborough, Eastbourne, Blackpool, and Sunderland. For flypasts at events, positioning yourself along the announced flypast track gives the best view. The Formation Route Tracker on this site shows planned transit routes. Transit routes are indicative only and should not be considered guaranteed viewing points

The Red Arrows are authorised to perform displays down to 100 feet above ground level in their close formation sequences, and even lower for some individual manoeuvres over the sea. Display minima are set by the CAA and are strictly observed.

Display requests are handled through the official RAF website. Applications for the following year typically open in June and close in December. Events must be of significant public interest — private events such as weddings are not considered. There is no charge for the display itself but organisers must meet certain requirements around airspace and crowd safety.

The Red Arrows use standard military VHF/UHF aviation frequencies. The primary display frequency is typically 127.350 MHz (a commonly used UK military display frequency), though this can vary by event and location. Approach and en-route communications use standard ATC frequencies for the airspace they are operating in.

It may be legal (check legislation from local regulator first) in the UK to listen to aircraft communications using a handheld scanner, though it is illegal to act on what you hear or to share the content publicly. Aviation band scanners covering 118–137 MHz (VHF civil) and 225–400 MHz (UHF military) will pick up Red Arrows communications when they are within range. Popular scanner frequencies to try at airshows include 127.350, 122.1 and local approach frequencies.

For display purposes the Red Arrows generally use unencrypted VHF/UHF communications.

The team was formed in 1964 as part of the Central Flying School at RAF Little Rissington. They initially flew with seven Folland Gnat trainers before expanding to nine aircraft in 1968. The team moved to Hawk T1s in 1979. Over their history they have performed over 5,000 displays in more than 60 countries and tragically lost several pilots in accidents. The team is the most watched display team in the world.

The name comes from the team's red aircraft and the arrow-like formations they fly. The Gnat trainers were originally painted red and white, and the name stuck. The Hawk aircraft used today are also painted in the distinctive red livery with a white underside.

Yes — the Red Arrows have performed displays in over 60 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and beyond. Notable overseas tours include trips to the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, the Gulf States and many European nations. Overseas tours are a significant part of the RAF's soft power and diplomatic engagement.

The Hawk T1 burns approximately 1,500–2,000 litres of Jet A-1 per hour in typical operation. The RAF has committed to operating net-zero military flying by 2050 and is exploring sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The Red Arrows have participated in SAF trials as part of this commitment.