Page 9 - issue19.04.2019
P. 9
Royal Air Force News Friday, April 19, 2019 P9
News
Retiring Reds ace trades
Arrows for Blades
BLADES
RUNNER: Tracey Allen appeared at 700 events.
Ling, right, Since joining the
has joined THE RED Arrows’ longest-serving pilot has RAF in May, 1998,
the Blades
Aerobatic retired from the RAF after a 21-year career. Mike has amassed a
Team, far Sqn Ldr Mike Ling was with the Air total of 3,500 flying
right Force’s world-famous aerobatic hours. He flew the
team for more than 10 years. Tornado F3 in the
Mike, 40, said: “It’s been air defence role with
a true honour serving Her 111 Squadron, based at
Majesty and this country, RAF Leuchars.
working with the most He said: “I first saw the
amazing people.” Reds perform when I was a boy growing up in
He described being Biggin Hill where there was an air show every
part of the Reds year. I decided that was what I wanted to do.”
as ‘an incredible He joined the Red Arrows in 2007 and flew as
privilege.’ Red 3 in the 2008 season.
And he He became part of the synchro pair, formed
revealed he’s of Reds 6 and 7 performing opposition
signed up with manoeuvres during shows.
the Blades INJURED: Mike is stretchered into hospital in the city of In 2010 he suffered a dislocated shoulder and
Aerobatic Team, Iraklio, Crete, after ejecting from his aircraft cuts and bruises after ejecting from his aircraft
made up of all ex when it collided with Red 7’s during a practice
Red Arrows pilots. He added: “There have been so many career session in Crete.
He said: “We highlights, too many to list. As a Formula One Mike went on to complete six seasons as Red
are the world’s only fan, when I raced a jet against world champion 10, which involved being the team’s supervisor
aerobatic airline that driver Lewis Hamilton at Scampton in June and providing commentary at events.
can take passengers 2013, that was a very good day at work.” He left the team in December 2017 and
up doing close During his time with the Reds he has served returned last year to stand in as Red 3 after Flt
formation aerobatics. It’s for 10 display seasons, notched up 1,765 flying Lt David Stark recovered from injuries sustained
very good fun.” hours in a Reds Hawk, visited 46 countries and during a crash at RAF Valley.
Valley climbers launch moutain rescue
Simon Mander
SEARCH AND RESCUE: HM
RAF RESCUERS battled sub-zero Coastguard helicopter flew in the
temperatures on one of Britain’s RAF team, inset
highest peaks to save a hiker who
had plunged from a cliff face.
The male walker dropped
15 metres while descending the
difficult west face of the mountain.
Despite his injuries he remained
concious and was able to contact DOUBLE ACT: SAC Pollard (left) and Dave
the emergency services Ellis cross the line at British Duathlon finals
Extreme weather forced a HM
Coastguard Rescue helicopter to Duo on target
abandon an initial search, but was for Tokyo 2020
able to fly in rescuers who located
the casualty on foot.
The man was treated for his ELITE RAF endurance athlete SAC
injuries at the scene but it took Luke Pollard guided Paralympic
several attempts to get him down hopeful Dave Ellis to the British
to the edge of Llyn Bochlwyd where Duathlon title ahead of his bid for
the aircraft was able to land and a place on the GB team at the 2020
transfer him to hospital. games in Tokyo.
Air Force personnel joined RAF man Pollard is currently the
Snowdonia’s Ogwen Valley fastest triathlete competitor in the
Mountain Rescue Organisation to UK Armed Forces
tackle the rugged crags of Tryfan
– which, at 917 metres, is the fifth
highest mountain in Wales. Awards shoot- out
RAF Valley Mountain Rescue
Team Leader, Chf Tech Ben Wood HENLOW, FYLINGDALES and
said: “This was a challenging call- Odiham are set to fight it out for
out because of the conditions on the Station of the Year award.
the day and the casualty’s injuries, All three were shortlisted for
which meant that a protracted the accolade by judges for this
technical rescue evacuation was year’s RAF Benevolent Fund
required. awards ceremony.
“Thankfully, the casualty is now The winners in all nine
recovering from his injuries.” categories will be revealed at the
event on June 27 in London.
