'I first saw the Red Arrows at 11 - now I'm a pilot'

"It's a boyhood dream come true," Flt Lt Rob Thomas says standing next to the glistening wing of a Red Arrows jet.

He first saw the iconic aerobatic team perform when he was 11 years old, dancing in synchronised unity in the sky above him.

Thirty years later, he proudly holds his helmet with the number two, his new flying position, emblazoned front and centre.

The 41-year-old recalled the immense feeling of finally saying "yes" when offered the role, after a number of unsuccessful attempts.

Flt Lt Thomas first saw the team in Waddington, Lincolnshire.

He recalls the rich, nostalgic memory of the sun reflecting off the back of the aircraft, as the team arched their way into their renowned Diamond Nine position.

"I had butterflies in my stomach and goosebumps all over," he said. "From that point on, I just wanted to do it myself."

With a dream etched in his mind, he spent the next 30 years amassing experience until he made the cut.

Flt Lt Thomas's life in the skies has been filled with adventure. Most recently, he flew the RAF's Typhoon aircraft on operations and exercises around the globe, including the Falkland Islands.

When he was younger, he remembers using a flight simulator on his computer, gradually crafting an everlasting fascination.

At Trent College, Flt Lt Thomas was part of a combined cadet force. He went to RAF Newton to build up his flying experience when he was 14 years old.

After that, he studied aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University and joined the RAF in 2006.

After joining, Flt Lt Thomas was selected for fast-jet training at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and RAF Valley.

Following advanced flying training, the pilot became a qualified flying instructor on the Hawk T1 at Valley and also instructed.

Flt Lt Thomas then worked alongside BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia as a secondee, instructing pilots and weapon system operators on the Hawk T-165.

He then returned to the Typhoon Frontline with 3(F) Squadron where he continued to deploy across the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Falkland Islands.

Flt Lt Thomas said he had always been determined to be part of the Red Arrows, and continued his efforts - even after a few unsuccessful attempts.

Then, when he was at home in May 2024, he received a call from his group captain.

The father of two said: "I think I asked him, 'are you sure?'

"My wife came in the room, I gave her a thumbs up."

He will fly the Red 2 position for the 2025 season, and will be joined by Flt Lt Andrew McEwen.

To be eligible to apply, pilots must have 1,500 fast-jet flying hours, be assessed as above average in their flying roles and have completed at least one front-line tour of duty.

The team can take on up to three new members each year.

Flt Lt Thomas believes his role in the team is to inspire others.

"I'd like young people to consider being part of the military and the Red Arrows," he said.

Flt Lt Thomas said the support of his family had kept him going.

"When I've been down, they've been helping me get back up and pursue this dream," he added.

He said the ultimate team flyover would be over Mansfield.

"It's got to be the hometown, absolutely," he added.

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