Red Arrows successfully complete Public Display Authority

Air July 14, 2020

After months of training, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team have successfully completed an annual assessment, known as Public Display Authority (PDA).

Attaining the status, which involves detailed scrutiny of activity both in the air and on the ground, means the Red Arrows are deemed to have a show that is safe, presentable and representing the best of British.

Normally, the final PDA process is carried out during an overseas exercise called Springhawk, where the team perfects and polishes the display over a focussed period – permitted by more guaranteed, finer weather and other settled conditions.

However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Red Arrows were forced to complete training at their home base of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

This situation, combined with a halt in flying during the initial period of the UK’s lockdown, a phased return to formation sorties and the changeable weather, delayed PDA for 2020.

Although, a huge team effort by air and ground crews, together with a new carefully-planned and assessed working routine, allowed some of the vital training time to be recovered.

Wing Commander David Montenegro, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved today. Everyone on the team has done their absolute best to adapt – as a collective we applied a measured approach to reaching this important annual milestone.

“It is one that enables us to support any national task we are required for in the short term and ensure we can deliver our best performance for next year and beyond.

“The support of RAF Scampton’s workforce has been immense – from firefighters and medics, to air traffic controllers and support staff, to name just a few.”

Completing the training necessary for PDA has ensured team members maintain their highly-specialised competencies, qualifications and skills. Gaining the approval also now allows the Red Arrows to respond fully, with preparation completed, to any future national tasking across the UK.

Sqn Ldr Pert said the team had worked hard, with the same aim of developing and performing a world-leading show. He said: “While not a straightforward year, we’ve endeavoured to ensure this year’s display retains all the hallmarks of a Red Arrows performance that our fans around the world expect of us – precision, dynamism and excitement.

“We’ve designed new manoeuvres such as the thrilling Crossbow and the beautiful Rolling Heart, which have revitalised the display for a new audience and granted us new-found flexibility to show our love and appreciation for our fans, regardless of the weather.

“Commemorating our forebears is of equal importance in 2020, especially, in this, the 80^th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain and the 75^th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day, of which we have already carried out evocative flypasts over the nation’s capital, even amidst recent complexities.”