RAF's parachute display team show off new Helix manoeuvre at first show of the season

The RAF Falcons have kicked off the 2025 season at RAF Brize Norton as specially chosen crowds gathered to watch.

Falling out of an A400m at 7,000ft, the Falcons showed off a new manoeuvre, the Helix, after perfecting the move during training in the winter months.

Flight Lieutenant Alice Adams-Cairns, Officer Commanding, RAF Falcons, told BFBS Forces News the new move is the first time there has been an addition to the display for three to four years.

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The team fell out of an A400M Atlas at 7000ft, and the lucky spectators witnessed the new manoeuvre for this year.

Flt Lt Adams-Cairns, Officer Commanding, RAF Falcons parachute display team, said: "So it just adds something new to display, which is really nice.

"It's the first time in probably three [or] four years that we've had a new aspect of the display, so that was quite exciting for the show.

"For this event specifically, it was really special because you're jumping into Brize Norton, where you've got friends and family. And all the school kids are going to be here."

Flt Lt Adams-Cairns said she has "a lot of pride" after the performance in front of the chosen crowd.

The group is the military's premier parachute display team, consisting of 14 members, including nine display jumpers.

The team members have completed a busy period of winter training in Dubai and the UK in preparation for a long, exhilarating summer.

The 2025 season will be full of fun and exciting public events up and down the UK and overseas, where the RAF Falcons will be impressing the crowds in their usual outstanding style until the season ends in October.  

Sergeant Luke Riddell is in his first season as a display jumper with the RAF Falcons.

"All went to plan. We were lucky with the weather as well," he said.

"That's my first proper public display there, so I was glad to get that one in the tank.

"I look forward to the rest of the season now."

The launch was attended by more than 500 children selected from schools in Carterton and the surrounding villages as a way of thanking them for their continued support.