RAF Hawk Display 2012
The Hawk Display team is the public face of Number 4 Flying Training School (4FTS) based at RAF Valley on Anglesey and their full time mission is to train the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy combat pilots of the future. The Hawk display exists to demonstrate the professional excellence of the RAF and promote recruitment to the RAF. Evidence shows that RAF displays have inspired a significant number of people to join the RAF, both as officers and airmen, and to all trades, not just aircrew.
2012 Hawk Display Pilot
Flight Lieutenant Philip Bird, aged 32, was born at RAF Hospital Ely. Phil attended Farmor’s Secondary school, Fairford and joined the Air Training Corps at RAF Brize Norton. He was awarded both RAF and Air League Flying Scholarships which together enabled him to gain his PPL aged 17.
He studied Economics at the University of Manchester and flew with Manchester and Salford University Air Sqn where he completed Elementary Flying Training.
Phil joined the RAF in 2002 and after completion of Initial Officer Training he was selected to be a fast jet pilot and posted to the Tucano at RAF Linton-On-Ouse. He completed Advanced Flying Training on 208 Sqn at RAF Valley before undergoing Tactical Weapons Training on 419 Sqn in Coldlake, Canada with the NATO Flying Training Program. On return to the UK Phil was selected to fly the Tornado F3. After completion of the Operational Conversion Unit on 56(R) he was posted to 43(F) Sqn at RAF Leuchars, Scotland. There he played an active role in the air defence of the UK and Falkland Islands as well as participating in large scale exercises across the UK, Europe and Middle East and became an Electronic Warfare Instructor. In 2009 he was posted to 19(F) Sqn to instruct the Tactical Weapons Course at RAF Valley, a role he now performs on 208 Sqn.
Phil’s interest in flying was sparked by his Father John, also an RAF pilot, and he has wanted to fly from a very early age. In his spare time Phil enjoys skiing, surfing, SCUBA diving and backpacking around the world with his wife Lucie. Phil completed his second London Marathon this year, this time with the Hawk Display Team in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Phil and the Team look forward to meeting you during the 2012 season and hope that you will support them in their efforts to raise money for the RAF Benevolent fund.
The Display pilot is the public face of the team but working with the pilot is the Display Manager who, among many other duties, co-ordinates the diary, flies the spare jet to most venues and also provides the valuable commentary. He will liaise with airshow organisers and public throughout the year and is responsible for all of the publicity material. The Display Supervisor and his deputy act as mentors and monitor the safety of the show in the work up and throughout the season. All of these posts are filled by personnel from 208(R) Squadron, Number 4FTS at RAF Valley.
Finally of course, the pilot would not have an aircraft to fly if it wasn't for the work of the support crews, engineers, painters, operations staff and air traffic controllers. All members of the team come from different backgrounds and trades and provide a valuable contribution to the final Display
