The Blades - Image with thanks Tony Hart Photography
Until I saw the Blades Aerobatic Display Team fly for the first time at the 2008 Farnborough Airshow, I always used to think that propeller aircraft displays were a little tame compared to the fast jets. But for me the Blades stole the 2008 show.
All of the Blades pilots are ex Red Arrows. It is this experience that makes their performance in the air, the only aerobatic display (anywhere in the world) that can rival the Red Arrows.
On my visit to Farnborough Airshow on Monday, I was lucky enough to be invited to the Blades Chalet where I got to interview Blade 2 Andy Slow and meet the rest of the team.
The Blades in formation over Farnborough - Image with Thanks Tony Hart Photography
The first thing that struck me was what a nice bunch of blokes they all are. Their professionalism is not just evident in the air. As a Red Arrow, these guys will have spent at least 3 years representing the UK all over the world. It is no wonder, then that the selection process to get in the Red Arrows focuses as much on the individuals personality characteristics as their flying ability.
As a display pilot Andy Slow has had a lot of experience. In 2003 he was the RAF’s Harrier Display Pilot. He has flown the Harrier operationally and as an instructor. After his time with the Harrier Andy went straight into the Red Arrows.
Competition to get into the Red Arrows is fierce. For 3 spots there are around 40-50 applicants, all of which are highly capable pilots.
Channel 5 did a superb documentary last year that perfectly captured what it is like to try and get into and serve with the Red Arrows.
The Blades were formed in 2006 and are the only “globally accredited aerobatic airline”. This means you and me can pay to go up with the blades, fly in formation and even do some of the display manoeuvres that the Blades will do at Farnborough this week.
While I was in the Blades chalet, Blade 3 , Andy Evans was briefing passengers who were about to take off in the Extra 300 LP in 4 ship formation and hook up with the Vulcan for a formation flight over Hampshire. They would also experience some display manoeuvres before a fly past over the Farnborough Airfield.
The Extra 300 LP aircraft flown by the Blades handles much like a Hawk and has many characteristics of a fast jet. Although it fly’s at half the speed of a Hawk it fly’s much closer to the ground so the sensation of flying is just as adrenaline fuelled as flying with the Red Arrows. In fact the Blades Extra 300 LP can do manoeuvres that the Red Arrows Hawk can’t.
The Blades are a busy bunch and have a full program of displays and corporate events throughout the year.
They have just done a Dam Busters re-enactment and a World War I documentary so keep an eye out on the TV. They have also appeared on Blue Peter and Top Trumps.
The Red Arrows are always the highlight of any airshow but now the Blades are on the airshow circuit the Red’s have some serious competition. This display is one you really should not miss.
Tickets for Farnborough Airshow public days are still available. You can buy advance tickets online or on the gate.
Click here to buy tickets online now
