Red Arrows adventure of high flyer from Kilsyth

Sergeant Phil Wands flew across the United Kingdom and overseas in the backseat of one of the display team’s distinctive fast-jets.

The 30 year-old is an aircraft mechanical technician, and served with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team between June 2017 and earlier this month.

For 2020, he was selected to be part of a group known as the Circus – a small number of engineers who form the Red Arrows’ travelling support team during the summer months.

Phil, who was at the rank of Corporal during his year flying with the Red Arrows before his recent promotion to Sergeant, said: “To be part of the specially-selected Circus team, working closely alongside the pilots has been a true highlight of my Royal Air Force career.

“Having the chance to fly in the backseat of a fast-jet is incredible, especially as an engineer, but for that to be a Red Arrows aircraft, with the team’s world-renowned reputation, makes the role even more humbling.”

Phil attended Balmalloch Primary School and then Kilsyth Academy before studying at Stow College. He joined the RAF in 2008 and during his career has worked on frontline, combat aircraft, including the Tornado and Typhoon, before a posting to the Red Arrows three years ago.

Phil said: “At school I completed a week of work experience at RAF Leuchars – this initially sparked my interest in a career in the Service.

“It was also a desire to travel worldwide and receive excellent, on-going development, education and training that inspired me to pursue a role in the RAF.”

This thirst for knowledge has continued with Phil, who is taking up a new role at a cutting-edge RAF innovation hub, with his posting now at an end

But Phil said his time with display team had been “an amazing opportunity” to travel across the UK, mainland Europe and North America.

Phil was selected for the Circus for this year’s display season. As with the aircrew, the team members have individual numbers – denoting which pilot they fly with.

For 2020 Phil was Circus 6, being paired with Red 6 and accompanying his aircraft on transit flights – but not in displays – and ensuring the jet was serviced at each location when operating away from the Red Arrows’ home of RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire.

Members of the Circus receive specialist training to prepare them for their role, including completing medical tests and emergency sea drills.

Although the impact of Covid-19 saw far fewer airshows and public events this year, the season still involved the Red Arrows carrying out high-profile flypasts over London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Paris as well as shows in Finland and Guernsey.

There was also a flyover at Glasgow Prestwick, to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, in August.

Phil said: “Since becoming a part of the wider Red Arrows team, I’ve become even more proud of what it achieves.

“I’ve been privileged to have chance to meet many people, both in the UK and overseas, during numerous public relations activities and events.

“This gives you a wonderful insight into how the team’s regarded internationally, for its work inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds with a display of speed and precision.”

“My time with the Red Arrows allowed me to see, at first-hand, what constant innovation and a strive for excellence looks like – the team is truly inspirational and the best of British.”