Jim flew the Jaguar GR3A before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
Age - 40
Education - Jim was educated at the Kings School, Canterbury where he was a member of the Combined Cadet Force. He was awarded a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship and his time spent with the Cadet Force gave him a burning ambition to become a Royal Air Force pilot. Although awarded a university place, Jim decided he couldn’t wait 3 more years and joined the Royal Air Force straight out of school at 18 years of age.
Career - On completion of flying training, Jim was posted to No 41(F) Sqn flying the Jaguar GR3A at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk. In 2000, Jim completed the Qualified Weapons Instructor course, which enabled him to return to the front line as the Weapons Instructor on No 54(F) Sqn. During these front line tours, Jim flew in aerial reconnaissance and ground attack roles on numerous exercises throughout Europe, the Middle East, Canada and North America. He also flew operational sorties over Northern Iraq, enforcing the ‘no-fly zones’ established after Operation DESERT STORM. A tour on the Operational Conversion Unit teaching trainee pilots and weapons instructors followed and in 2004, Jim was selected as the Royal Air Force Jaguar Display Pilot. Jim was then selected for the Red Arrows, joining the Team in 2005. He went on to fly as Synchro 2 in 2006, and as Synchro Leader in 2007. Following his tour on the Team, Jim spent 3 years in the Middle East teaching the Royal Saudi Air Force Aerobatic Team and acting as their official adviser. On completion of this tour, Jim returned almost immediately to the Middle East with a deployment to the Combined Air and Space Operations Centre in Qatar, responsible for supporting air operations in Afghanistan. Jim has over 3500 hours of flying time and is extremely proud to lead the team in 2013.
Background - Jim is married to Karen and has 2 sons, Aidan (14) and Finlay (12). They also have a Labradoodle called Neva. They live close to the Teams home base at Royal Air Force Scampton and when not at work, Jim enjoys running, fly fishing and is learning to play the guitar.
ΠΗΓΗ:
RED ARROWS
ΠΗΓΗ:
RED ARROWS
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