A Typhoon pilot with 1 (Fighter) Squadron based at RAF Leuchars will join the world famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, for the 2015 season.
FlightLieutenant Thomas Bould is said to have successfully passed the gruelling selection process and is now looking forward to beginning the team’s intense training programme later this year.
A veteran of Quick Reaction Alert missions, Flt Lt Bould, above, has seen several deployments to the Falkland Islands as well as exercises in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
He said of his latest appointment: “Aerobatic flying will be very different to frontline missions, but incredibly demanding and rewarding in different aspects.
He added: “It was the professionalism of the Red Arrows and the excellence of what they do that stood out to me and inspired me to apply to join.
“I believe the Red Arrows firmly stand for these qualities and I will be immensely proud to be part of the team.”
The 32-year-old joined the Royal Air Force in 2005 and, following a successful season as the Tucano display pilot in 2010, was selected to fly the Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft at RAF Leuchars.
The Red Arrows first displayed to the public in 1965 and are renowned as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, having performed more than 4,500 times in 56 different countries.
To apply to join the Red Arrows, Royal Air Force pilots need to have at least 1,500 fast jet flying hours, and must have completed a frontline tour.
They must also be assessed as “above average” in their flying role.