Flightline UK - RAF Hawk Display Team

RAF Hawk Display Team

The Hawk T1 has been in RAF service for 28 years as the advanced trainer that all aircrew will fly before being posted to one of the frontline fast jets. The Hawk is the most successful trainer aircraft in the world, and is still being preoduced by BAE Systems at the Warton factory. Most notable export sales have been to the US Navy (T-43 Goshawk), Austrailia and to Canada as part of the NATO flying training scheme. Other RAF roles include navigator training and target towing.

Hawk displays are currently drawn from 208(R) Squadron, part of No 4 FTS. 208(R) Squadron provide basic training on the Hawk at RAF Valley before students move on to 19(F) Squadron and basic weapons training. The 2010 Hawk display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Ton Sauders

Flight Lieutenant Tom Saunders, "Cinders" aged 29 grew up in Oxford and is the eldest of 4 children. He was educated at Reigate Grammar School in Surrey where he was a member of the Combined Cadet Force. He was awarded an RAF sixth form scholarship and flying scholarship which provided him with flying hours towards his Private Pilots License (PPL). He completed his PPL aged 17 and completed further training to become a civilian flying instructor 2 years later.

Between 1999 and 2004, Tom flew over 3500 hours in Europe and the Caribbean on a variety of different types including business jets and turbo props. He chose to pursue a military flying career and began Initial Officer Training at Royal Air Force Cranwell in 2004. Following Elementary Flying Training on the Grob Tutor with Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron at RAF Church Fenton he was selected for fast jet training on the Tucano and Hawk aircraft. In between flying courses, Tom spent 10 months with the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows working in the Public Relations department whilst flying in the back seats during display practices wherever possible!

Following completion of Advanced Flying Training at RAF Valley, Anglesey he was selected for instructional duties and remained on 208 Sqn where he currently works teaching RAF and Royal Navy student pilots to fly the Hawk. After the 2010 Display season, Tom will commence Tactical weapons training on 19(F) Squadron and hopes to fly the Typhoon on his next tour.

Tom currently lives in Anglesey with his wife Josephine. He enjoys a variety of sports including squash, wakeboarding and skiing and is also a keen amateur dramatist!.

Official Website: http://www.rafhawkdisplay.com