A BRADFORD RAF pilot says it was a privilege to lead the Red Arrows for their first tasking of 2021.

Squadron Leader Tom Bould, who grew up in Heaton, has taken over as Red 1 for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team’s 2021 season.

He began his time in charge by leading the world-famous aerial group at the centenary celebrations of the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Queen also attended the event, held on Wednesday.

 

He tweeted: “A privilege to be able to lead the team for the first tasking of 2021 for the Red Arrows.”

Sqn Ldr Bould, who is originally from Bradford, and is a former student of Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley Bridge, joined the RAF in 2005.

While studying for his degree in aerospace engineering at Manchester University, he completed his elementary flying training as a member of Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron.

Selected to operate fast-jets, he flew the Typhoon – the RAF’s multi-role combat aircraft – and during this frontline tour had several deployments to the Falkland Islands as well as exercises in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

He was previously a Red Arrows team pilot between 2015 and 2017, in the Reds 5, 7 and 6 positions respectively, and took part in large tours supporting UK interests, including a history-making visit to China.

Promoted to Squadron Leader, Tom has more recently been a flight commander on IV(AC) Squadron at RAF Valley, teaching the next generation of fast-jet pilots, using the Hawk T2 aircraft.

Sqn Ldr Bould said when he was appointed last year that he was excited to return to the Red Arrows and represent the RAF and United Kingdom, both at home and overseas, over the next three years.