RAF Tutor Display Team

The Grob Tutor T1 replaced the Royal Air Force's fleet of Bulldog primary training aircraft from 1999 onwards. Ninety of the new aircraft are used by University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights at 14 locations around the country. But unusually, the aircraft are not owned and maintained by the RAF, but carry civilian registrations and serviced under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). VT Aerospace, the contractor, will own and maintain the aircraft, and at some sites also provide such essential flying support services as air traffic control and fire cover, saving the MoD an estimated £30 Million over the life of the 10 year contract.

The 2010 display pilot is Flt Lt Bill Ramsey. Having retired in 2008 after 36 years of Regular RAF service, Bill is a Full Time Reservist Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) at the No 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) Instructor Training Squadron, recently allocated the title of 115 (Reserve) Squadron. The Central Flying School (CFS) Crest on this page reflects the Squadron’s traditional links to the CFS. Utilising the Grob Tutor aircraft, the Squadron trains qualified pilots of all 3 Services to become QFIs in the Elementary Flying Training role and gives post-graduate training to those already qualified. The primary role of No 1 Elementary Flying Training School is to give ab-initio student pilots their first steps on the road to becoming operational pilots.

During his career Bill has flown around 5500 hours in some 35 or so aircraft types – mainly Vulcan, Jet Provost, Tornado GR1 and Hawk but was also lucky enough to fly the Lancaster and Dakota with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1999. Apart from the UK he has served overseas in Germany and Saudi Arabia as well as visiting more countries than he can count in various appointments. His last flying tour was as the senior supervisor to the Red Arrows, accompanying the Team on many memorable occasions – particularly tours to Canada, the Middle and Far East.

Official Website: http://www.tutordisplay.org.uk

Royal Air Force

• Red Arrows
• RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
• RAF Falcons
• RAF Typhoon Display Team
• RAF Hawk Display Team
• RAF King Air Display Team
• RAF Tucano Display Team
• RAF Tutor Display Team
• RAF Chinook Display Team

Royal Navy

• Black Cats
• Royal Navy Historic Flight

Army Air Corps

• Blue Eagles
• Historic Aircraft Flight

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