Smoke On: Red Arrows Set For Busy Season

The Red Arrows’ 2017 display season is officially getting under way.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team has been formally awarded its Public Display Authority (PDA), marking the start of the 53rd season for the team, which aims to showcase the excellence of the RAF and represent the United Kingdom.

The Red Arrows’ nine fast-jet pilots are expected to perform more than 60 displays, involving precision flying, in front of millions of people across the country and overseas this summer.

Leading the team for his third and final year will be Red 1, Squadron Leader David Montenegro.

The 40-year-old, who was previously in the Squadron as a team pilot between 2009 and 2011, said: “More than six months of preparation, training and teamwork goes into a Red Arrows season and the award of Public Display Authority is a milestone moment for the entire Squadron."