Flightline UK - RAF Tucano Display Team

RAF Tucano Display Team

The Tucano is a Brazilian design built under license by Shorts of Belfast. The aircraft won a fly-off with the Pilatus PC-9 which was being supported by BAe at the time. Infact, the PC-9 was designed specifically for the role. The Tucano is the RAF's basic training aircraft with the intention of taking pilots from the piston engined DEFTS Firefly and Grob Tutor T1 to the Hawk T1. The cockpit of the Tucano therefore closely resembles a jet and is designed so the turboprop trainer handles more closely to a jet. The Tucano is a successful and well liked aircraft in the RAF. The 2010 display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Tom Bould.

Flight Lieutenant Tom Bould, aged 28, grew up in Bradford and is the younger of 2 children. He was educated at Woodhouse Grove School in West Yorkshire. His interest in aviation started from an early age and Tom was awarded an RAF sixth form scholarship and flying scholarship.

After leaving school he took a year out to travel round the world before going to Manchester University to study Aerospace Engineering. Tom joined Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron where he completed Elementary Flying Training on the Grob Tutor and was awarded an RAF university scholarship.

Tom completed Initial Officer Training in 2005 where he was streamed to fly Fast Jets. He undertook Basic Fast Jet Training on the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he was awarded his wings. Tom then moved on to RAF Valley to fly the Hawk during Advanced Fast Jet Training. After completing 60 hours on the Hawk he was selected to attend Central Flying School to instruct on the Tucano.

Tom was posted back to RAF Linton-on-Ouse in 2008 where he instructs trainee Fast Jet pilots on 72(R) Squadron. Tom currently lives in Leeds with his girlfriend Danielle and when he is not busy flying he enjoys playing cricket and taking too many shots on the golf course!

Official Website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/tucanodisplayteam