C o m m u n i t y
On Board with T
he RAF Association have an exciting new partnership with The Blades, one of the world’s leading aerobatic teams. The
Blades will act as a unique ‘flying billboard’ and ambassadors for the RAF Association, displaying in front of an estimated live audience of five million people at events throughout the UK.
Now in their fifth year of operation, the Blades are the UK’s only full-time civilian aerobatic team and all their pilots are former Red Arrows. Flying four Extra 300 aircraft, they often reach up to +10G during more aggressive manoeuvres.
With their synchronised gyroscopic manoeuvres and precision formation, The Blades enthral audiences of all ages at events from airshows to music festivals and sporting events. They have flown over 400 public displays in nine countries including performances at David and Victoria Beckham’s pre-World Cup party, Formula 1 Grand Prix events and HM The Queen’s birthday party celebrations at Balmoral.
The Blades’ parent company, 2Excel Aviation Ltd, was co-founded by Chris Norton OBE DFC and Andy Offer OBE, both former Harrier
The Blades!
squadron commanders. Chris gained operational experience on Op WARDEN in Northern Iraq and over Kosovo and Serbia during Op ALLIED FORCE. Promoted to Wing Commander at the age of 35, he led No 1 (F) Squadron in Iraq in 2003. Andy Offer flew the RAF’s Jet Provost and Harrier displays before joining the world-famous Red Arrows, eventually becoming one
of the team’s youngest ever leaders. Andy was promoted to Wing Commander at the age of 35 and was returned to the Harrier front-line after as Officer Commanding IV (Army Cooperation) Squadron, leading it on operations in Afghanistan in 2005 and 2006.
Blade 1 for 2010 is Myles Garland. A former RAF Harrier pilot and Red Arrows ‘synchro lead’, this is Myles’ second season as the Team Leader following three seasons as a wingman and solo pilot. Andy Offer, Chris Carder and Dave Slow share the Blade 2 slot. Chris spent 22 years as a RAF pilot, flying mainly Canberras, Hawks and Jaguars, as well as with the Red Arrows. Dave Slow was a RAF
Harrier and Red Arrows pilot. Blade 3 is Andy Evans and Blade 4 (solo pilot) is Mark ‘Cutty’ Cutmore. Both Andy and Cutty were RAF Jaguar pilots, Red Arrows and advisors to the Saudi Arabian National Aerobatic Team.
Ruth Martindale, of the RAF Association said: “I am delighted that we are in partnership with such a high-profile and professional team. This is a unique opportunity to raise the Association’s profile with those interested in aviation and the military. The Blades offer an alternative means of raising money that could generate substantial income, while bringing the Association very much into the public eye.”
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Autumn 2010
45
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