He's back – and this time he's taken over as team leader of the Red Arrows
Squadron Leader James Turner, a former Typhoon pilot, has taken over as Red 1 – the new team leader of the Red Arrows – and is already busy designing a fresh display routine.
Sgn Ldr Turner, who replaces Wing Commander Jon Bond, is no stranger to the RAF aerobatic display team, having flown a previous tour with them between 2020 and 2023.
He said: "Having spent four seasons with the team, I know what a privilege it is to wear the red suit and represent the Royal Air Force.
An honour
"To return as Red 1 is a tremendous honour, and the responsibility that comes with it certainly isn't lost on me.
"Above all, I am excited about working with the people who make the Red Arrows what they are."
To be Team Leader of the Red Arrows, a candidate needs to have been a previous display pilot.
As Red 1, this person is responsible for choreographing and developing a new aerobatic show each year.
Sqn Ldr Turner is also responsible for coordinating the training programme and season preparation.
He'll be the focal point for pre-sortie briefings and crucial post-display feedback sessions.
In the air, Red 1 flies at the front of the formation and gives radio commands to the other pilots, who learn to fly the show based on his vocal cadence.
Also a daunting challenge
Sqn Ldr Turner admitted the scale of a responsibility like this can be daunting.
"I have a healthy respect for the challenge, but also enormous confidence in the experience and professionalism of the people around me," he said.
"Leading the Synchro Pair in 2023 reinforced the importance of trust, clear communication and thorough preparation.
"Those will be just as important as Red 1. I also want to carry forward an environment where people can speak openly, learn from each flight and support one another."
Sqn Ldr Turner has been completing a handover from his predecessor over the past few weeks and getting reacquainted with the team.
He's the 25th Red 1 since the team were formed in 1964.
Seven of nine
Work to prepare for the 2027 season begins in earnest next month at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire – the Red Arrows' home base.
The Red Arrows' aerobatic display changes each year. The first half of a display consists of synchronised, formation aerobatics, followed by a more dynamic second half.
The Red Arrows fly aerobatic displays with seven aircraft – Reds 1 to 7.
However, nine jets can be used for selected flypasts, including national and state occasions, with Reds 10 and 11 joining to make the bigger formation.
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