RAF Falcons jump into public display season at Bedfordshire air show
Parachutists will fall from thousands of feet performing signature formations
RAF Brize Norton's parachute display team will be taking to the skies above Bedfordshire today for the Shuttleworth Season Premiere.
Crowds are set to witness the Falcons perform their first public display of the year, featuring high-speed freefall manoeuvres, precision canopy flying and pinpoint landings.
The display will see the team jump from more than 7,000ft before performing signature formations including the Heart, Criss-Cross Carousel, Snakes and Ducks.
Group Captain Andy McIntyre said the performance is the result of lengthy preparation behind the scenes.
“What nobody sees is the six months of work that’s led up to this point - selection of the team, a new team manager, training in America, in Dubai and then in the UK," he said.
The RAF Falcons are regarded as Britain’s premier military parachute display team, with members travelling at speeds of up to 120mph during freefall before deploying their parachutes and flying in close formation just feet apart.
Displays are carefully adapted to weather conditions, meaning the team can alter routines at short notice depending on visibility and wind conditions.
Before taking to the skies today, the Falcons will complete detailed safety briefings and a full “dirt dive” rehearsal on the ground, mentally practising the display from exit to landing.
Flight Lieutenant Dom Compton-Davies, officer commanding the RAF Falcons, said there is always a rush of emotion after landing safely.
“You’ve still got the adrenaline from leaving the aircraft but when you get down to the ground there’s a sense of relief that the display’s gone well and you haven’t landed off somewhere,” he said. “And when you can hear the crowd again, it’s a really special feeling.”
The Falcons say inspiring the next generation is one of the most important parts of the role.
“It’s amazing that in 10 or 15 years’ time they could be standing in my position,” Flight Lieutenant Compton-Davies added.
“Hopefully it does inspire them to join the UK military, the Royal Air Force and maybe even become a Falcon.”
The display will conclude with the Falcons’ traditional salute before team members meet spectators, sign autographs and answer questions.
Group Captain McIntyre said that interaction is a key part of what makes them special.
“You forget what a team like the Falcons means to people,” he said.
“These are the highest-end military parachutists working right on the edge of their skill set to get into a drop zone.
“To bring that to the public and then engage with the crowd afterwards really brings it to life and shows a potential career pathway to some of the kids watching.”