A low-flying jet performing high-octane manoeuvres will soon become a familiar sight over air shows around the UK and Europe as the RAF's Typhoon display season gets underway.
For more than two decades, the singular Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 has been a continuous fixture at displays, captivating audiences with the raw power, speed and agility of the frontline fighter.
The latest pilot to step foot inside the cockpit, Flight Lieutenant Tom Nation – callsign Dragon01 – described flying the aircraft as a "childhood dream".
"I grew up going to air shows [and] I worked fast jet displays from the age of six," he explained to BAE Systems.
"Being the guy on the other side, actually in the cockpit, is pretty special."
Practice makes perfect
Behind every great pilot is a dedicated group of professionals.
In this instance, the team from 29 Squadron brings together specialists from across all aircraft trades, along with essential support and management staff, all working in unison to deliver the display.
Yet before the excitement reaches the audience, pilots undergo specific display training carried out at an altitude of 5,000ft, with flights typically following coastlines, roads or runways near RAF Coningsby – the home of 29 Squadron.
Once a pilot is confident with the sequence, they are then cleared to practise at a lower altitude over the base, progressively stepping down base heights from 1,500ft to 500ft.
The display is then reviewed before the pilot is granted permission to perform the display in front of the crowd.
The team has said it is looking forward to the unique challenges that display season brings and the opportunity to showcase the aircraft to the general public.
So look up, and keep your eyes peeled – they may soon be appearing at an air show near you.
Where to watch the Typhoon display team during their 2026 season:
30-31 May – English Riviera Air Show
14 June – RAF Cosford Air Show
27 June – Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend
27 June – Scarborough Armed Forces Day
28 June – Cleethorpes Armed Forces Weekend
28 June – Shuttleworth Festival of Flight
4-5 July – IWM Duxford Summer Show
24 July – Farnborough International Air Show, Pioneers of Tomorrow (flypast only)
25-26 July – Wales Air Show
8-9 August – Blackpool Air Show
14-16 August – Eastbourne International Air Show
22-23 August – Swedish Centenary Show, Malmen Air Base, Sweden
30 August – Little Gransden Air and Car Show
4-5 September – International Ayr Show Festival of Flight
13 September – Danish Air Show, Aalborg Air Base, Denmark
3 October – IWM Duxford End of Season Show
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