RAF's new Typhoon display pilot Turbo ready to wow crowds with new manoeuvres

Forces News has been given exclusive access to meet the RAF's 2024 Typhoon Display Pilot. 

Flight Lieutenant David Turnbull, known as Turbo, will be launching the display season with new manoeuvres as the team gears up for another busy year of air shows. 

He said: "It's such an honour and a privilege to fly the display this year."

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"I'm standing on the backs of giants, really, who are helping me out with the display this year," he added.

While the calendar of events is yet to be announced, Flt Lt Turnbull said he's "excited and nervous" to get his display airborne for the public.

It's very early days for the display pilot, having only flown his routine for 15 hours in the simulator.

"I've only flown it once so far but we’re going to be working down the heights, but I absolutely loved it," he explained.

"I loved the G [G-force] and how the manoeuvres linked together.

"There's a couple of new things coming up, obviously they might be tweaked as I work down to display height.

"I look forward to the slow speed pass, I think that will be good. 

"There’s some negative G manoeuvres, which although feel awful for me, hopefully will look good for you!"

Turbo joined the military following a recommendation from his Army brother, who suggested he would enjoy life in the Royal Air Force. From spending copious amounts of time in the great outdoors he later discovered his love for flying.

Behind Turbo is an impressive fighter pilot career. With six years flying the Typhoon under his belt he took part in Op Shader, Exercise Saif Sareea and Exercise Bersama Lima.

Now his attentions turn to a new way of flying.

He said: "The display is almost me showing what the aircraft can do [and] how it performs in a fight. We do get to max-perform the aircraft, but most of the time it’s in a competitive way against another aircraft usually for training."

Turbo is now working hard to get his routine approved by the Public Display Authority so he can take his Typhoon around the world.