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A Royal Air Force engineer has spoken of the “incredible” honour of being part of the travelling support for the Lincolnshire-based Red Arrows during the team’s 60th anniversary celebrations last year.
The team, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, was established in 1964 and have completed almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries.
The anniversary season featured a five-week tour of Canada and a commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Hull-born Sgt Harry Kay, who lives in Hessle, East Yorkshire, said being part of it was a career highlight.
Sgt Kay, 34, led a group of technicians who travelled with the Red Arrows from the team’s base at RAF Waddington, near Lincoln.
Known as the Circus, engineers and support staff are paired with a pilot and fly in the rear cockpit seat of the distinctive red Hawk jets between displays and other engagements.
They then service and prepare the aircraft ready for the next display, or performance.
Sgt Kay said: “Being part of the Red Arrows’ support team has been a true highlight – understanding how many millions of people see the jets each year and take great inspiration and enjoyment from a display or flypast.
“Being Circus leader this year was particularly special.
“To be part of the team that maintained the aircraft in this diamond anniversary year was incredible, an honour.”
Sgt Kay said he had also been fortunate to visit many incredible places, including North America.
“I was able to see the beauty and power of Niagara Falls during a flypast,” he said.
However, he said his favourite moment was closer to home.
“It was a transit flight that, by chance, took the aircraft across the Humber Estuary, passing close to Hessle with a brilliant view of the Humber Bridge and Hull clearly in sight,” said Sgt Kay.
The team is now carrying out winter training, with the 2025 display season expected to start in May.
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