0:00:02 > 0:00:03Turning!
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Can there be anything more British than the love of adrenaline?
0:00:06 > 0:00:08Rolling...now.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Determination in the face of adversity...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12That is not show standard.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14..which epitomises the RAF.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Just brilliant to watch, it never gets tiring.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Over the course of their action-packed summer season...
0:00:19 > 0:00:20- PILOT:- 'Turning!'
0:00:20 > 0:00:23..we'll be flying with Britain's ultimate pilots...
0:00:24 > 0:00:25..the Red Arrows...
0:00:28 > 0:00:30..with their fellow display teams...
0:00:30 > 0:00:31the Typhoon jets...
0:00:33 > 0:00:35..the Chinook helicopter...
0:00:37 > 0:00:40..and the Hurricanes and Spitfires.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44We're going inside the bubble to chart the courage it takes
0:00:44 > 0:00:48to pull off the most famous flying experience in the world.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06In one of the busiest display seasons so far,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09can the Red Arrows achieve an historic fly-past
0:01:09 > 0:01:13and go on to perform as you've never seen them before?
0:01:13 > 0:01:16'You've got to use your imagination here as we are missing Red 9.'
0:01:16 > 0:01:21The Chinook Display Team swap battles on the front line...
0:01:21 > 0:01:24He's requesting that now, he's requesting it.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30..to battle against the elements at the UK's oldest airshow in Blackpool.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34All the time the wind's going to be blowing us towards the crowd.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38But will they pass the ultimate survival test?
0:01:38 > 0:01:40That sort of disorientation when you're upside down
0:01:40 > 0:01:42and underwater, you can't really see it.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49- PILOT:- 'Falling...in.'
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Along with the Reds and Typhoon,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54another key performer at the Blackpool Airshow
0:01:54 > 0:01:57will be Flight Lieutenant Brett Jones and his team.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00But they don't fly fast jets...
0:02:00 > 0:02:03They don't perform aerobatic rolls...
0:02:04 > 0:02:06In fact, they don't even fly a plane.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10They fly an aircraft so heavy it's known as the "elephant of the skies".
0:02:12 > 0:02:16An aircraft so complex, it takes three people to fly.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20It is...the Chinook helicopter.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24A stalwart of the RAF fleet for more than 30 years,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27the Chinook is on national standby 24/7,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29supporting operations around the world...
0:02:32 > 0:02:38..able to be used as everything from a transporter for troops and cargo
0:02:38 > 0:02:39to a medical evacuation unit.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48It's the start of display season.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50Based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53the Chinook Display Team are under pressure.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58As if gearing up for their busiest season yet wasn't enough,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01the team are also part of a fully operational squadron.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05They must combine their daily training demands
0:03:05 > 0:03:07with practising their routine.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11Brett is an elite Chinook pilot and instructor.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17The main thing with the display is it isn't our day job.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20So I will do a display practice in the morning
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and then two to three hours later I'll be getting airborne
0:03:23 > 0:03:26to teach one of the junior pilots a certain exercise
0:03:26 > 0:03:30in order to develop them, so they can reach the combat-ready status.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Uniquely for the Chinook Display Team,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36only Brett holds the Public Display Authority,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38so there can be no show without him.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43There's only one display captain for the whole season.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46So, yeah, unfortunately, if I go U/S,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49then that's us done for that weekend.
0:03:50 > 0:03:57Five, four, three, two, one... Hack.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Good morning, everybody. Time is 09:30...
0:04:00 > 0:04:02As a qualified helicopter instructor,
0:04:02 > 0:04:07Brett's challenge today is to assess one of his display team copilots -
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Flight Lieutenant Chris Gordon.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13"Gordo" is taking an annual flying exam which he must pass.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Uh, the mission overview, as mentioned,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18is QHI check for the first hour and a half.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22I will then conduct an RF display practice.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Cool. Running into the display for 2015,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27looking at working on a few things from last time.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30With practice time so limited for the display team,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33they must use every opportunity they can to rehearse.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36So after Gordo's test is complete,
0:04:36 > 0:04:41it will be straight on to a run-through of their 2015 routine.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Every year I've got to get airborne and fly with Gordo
0:04:45 > 0:04:49and all the other relevant pilots on the squadron
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and look at their academics and also...
0:04:53 > 0:04:57..double-check, just make sure they are using the correct technique.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Also just make sure that they are flying nice and accurate,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and I'll write a report and then sign 'em up.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06'Engine instruments are all good, nothing to affect us.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10'IFF is 3647, in for the circuit, alpha and copiloted.'
0:05:10 > 0:05:12If Gordo doesn't pass,
0:05:12 > 0:05:16he not only risks losing his position on the display team,
0:05:16 > 0:05:21but could be grounded entirely, which could leave their schedule in ruins.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Roger that.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24'Forward, 15 handling.'
0:05:24 > 0:05:27'I'll go over the initial position and then set you up to run straight on.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:28'Happy with that.'
0:05:28 > 0:05:30As part of today's test,
0:05:30 > 0:05:34Gordo must demonstrate he can pick up a vehicle weighing almost two tonnes
0:05:34 > 0:05:36whilst hovering at 50ft.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41'That's it, down five. And forwards.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45'Height is good. Working on the load, loads are patched.'
0:05:45 > 0:05:49Gordo's exam requires precision flying.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51These crucial techniques are vital
0:05:51 > 0:05:55and must be continually practised by all pilots on the squadron.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Simply put, these skills save lives on the front line.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03'Load's on the ground, sitting down fine.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05'And back.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06'Running sweep.'
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Releasing.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09OK, load's gone.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Over the course of the exam,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Brett has Gordo performing multiple manoeuvres.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17'Oh, just going to slow down, we have got a bit of wind from the left.'
0:06:17 > 0:06:20It's not just load lifting he's being tested on,
0:06:20 > 0:06:22but also landing in confined spaces -
0:06:22 > 0:06:26another vital skill for an aircraft that could be called upon
0:06:26 > 0:06:28to deliver aid in any location.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31'Load down at 40...'
0:06:31 > 0:06:35The test is one of the biggest challenges of preseason training.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39'Five, four, three, two, one...
0:06:39 > 0:06:41'And it's done.'
0:06:41 > 0:06:44As he touches down, his two-hour test is over.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47But has he done enough?
0:06:48 > 0:06:51'Cool, Gordo, well judged. You've got all the debrief points.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52'Yeah, nicely done.'
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Job done.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58He's passed with flying colours,
0:06:58 > 0:07:01showing he has lost none of his expertise.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08No surprise, given his experiences on the front line a few years ago.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12During 2012 it was my third tour of Afghanistan
0:07:12 > 0:07:14and it was my first tour as a captain.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17I went in for an "ex-fill", which is to extract troops
0:07:17 > 0:07:19who had been under contact.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21They were losing water and no-one could get in,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23we just could not get in.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26This dramatic footage is taken from the mission.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- GUNFIRE - Get down!
0:07:30 > 0:07:31Get down!
0:07:31 > 0:07:35The Apaches were overhead, we had the US Cobras overhead,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38and they were coming under contact from all 360 degrees.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Get back!- Get back from the wall!
0:07:41 > 0:07:43I made the decision as formation leader to go in.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45We got them, we got all 60 troops out,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48but as I landed, they took out one of my engines.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52He's requesting that now, he's requesting it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Now, I'd pushed the aircraft to its limits,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57if not slightly beyond, because the aircraft really didn't want
0:07:57 > 0:07:59to move, and I essentially just started rolling,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01as if you'd just started driving in your car.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04And I was rolling over bumpy ground, I couldn't see anything because
0:08:04 > 0:08:06we were in a dust cloud, until I got enough speed
0:08:06 > 0:08:08that I could eventually get away from the ground
0:08:08 > 0:08:10and fly them back to safety.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14All the soldiers were airlifted from the danger zone.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16For his courage under fire,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Gordo received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28With the first crucial test of the season complete,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30they must turn their thoughts towards Blackpool
0:08:30 > 0:08:33and rehearse their all-important moves.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Slightly left of crowd centre on the pull-up.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Feedback from today's practice is vital
0:08:40 > 0:08:43in helping to shape their display routine
0:08:43 > 0:08:45and show the airframe off to full effect.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50It's a very large aircraft, but it is very manoeuvrable.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54We can put the aircraft up towards 70 degrees nose-up,
0:08:54 > 0:08:5570 degrees nose-down,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58which, again, from the outside looks quite extreme.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Crowd centre!
0:09:02 > 0:09:03Now.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Some of the engineers don't like watching the display.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11They fix the aircraft, give it to us,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15and then we throw it around the sky, so they're just, as well as we,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18are hoping that it doesn't break at the wrong moment.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Unlike a Red Arrows performance,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25the Chinook display is only eight minutes long.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29They pack 15 dynamic moves into this time,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32each one showcasing the Chinook's manoeuvrability.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Nice, good, aggressive entry.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39But each move puts a multitude of stresses on the helicopter.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44The rear landing and takeoff is always popular.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Here, the engine power needed
0:09:46 > 0:09:49to keep this ten-tonne vehicle on its back wheels
0:09:49 > 0:09:53is equal to that of more than 11 Formula One cars.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57But it's not just about power.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02The Red Arrows burn through 450kg of fuel per display.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05The Chinook uses half this amount,
0:10:05 > 0:10:10but must tread a fine line between onboard fuel and manoeuvrability.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Good.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Miles better.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18And cut...now.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22And Display Supervisor Squadron Leader Steve Dees
0:10:22 > 0:10:24can spot when the balance isn't right.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28They've got too much fuel on.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30So they're not as light, so they can't...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34..be quite so dynamic with the manoeuvring.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36I'm being ultra picky so it's perfect.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43It's now three weeks until the team must perform over water at Blackpool.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46But first, they're at the Royal International Air Tattoo
0:10:46 > 0:10:48at Fairford in Gloucestershire -
0:10:48 > 0:10:51the largest in the world.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59This three-day event draws crowds of more than 150,000
0:10:59 > 0:11:03and it's a chance for fans to see every type of aircraft...
0:11:03 > 0:11:07from the iconic Hawk jets flown by the Red Arrows
0:11:07 > 0:11:09to the Spitfires and Hurricanes
0:11:09 > 0:11:11of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The Red Arrows are in full flight.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The 20-minute performance is filled with precision flying
0:11:24 > 0:11:26and aerobatic manoeuvres.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Before the boys perform for their biggest crowd to date,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48there's just time to swap the cockpit for the crowd line
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and check out their fellow display competitors.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00These Apache helicopters can operate in all weathers, day or night.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Carrying a mix of rockets, cannon rounds and Hellfire missiles,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10they can target an enemy from five miles away.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13The wheels are quite good, though,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15you know, during an Apache/Chinook display.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18GUNFIRE
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- Go nose-down over the scorch marks. - Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- Wind speed... - LAUGHTER
0:12:22 > 0:12:25But even with their pyrotechnics,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28the Apache can't compete with the Chinook when it comes to size.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32At 18 metres, the diameter of the Chinook's blades
0:12:32 > 0:12:36is the same length of an entire Apache helicopter.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39And it can lift the weight of more than two Apaches.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Time for spectating is over.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45It's now up to the team to demonstrate
0:12:45 > 0:12:48exactly what the Chinook can do.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51The crowd line at the Air Tattoo
0:12:51 > 0:12:56is one of the longest of any UK airshows at 2,500 metres.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59The team have to extend their display left and right
0:12:59 > 0:13:01to ensure that everyone gets a view.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06To do this, they must have enough fuel
0:13:06 > 0:13:10to hit the correct fuel-to-weight ratio at the point of display.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13This is Brett's first time at the Tattoo.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15He wants to get it right.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Cool, it's just coming up to ten to, guys,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21so we've got half an hour till lift.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24We'll offset right for the manoeuvres.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27We'll extend into wind, and if... Yeah, just keep badgering me.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29I'll just keep going.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32For the wingovers, we'll make them nice and big.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33We'll keep the speed up
0:13:33 > 0:13:35and then decelerate cos it's such a long crowd line.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38The nose-down quick stop we'll do at the crowd centre.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Performing at the Tattoo is unlike any other show
0:13:41 > 0:13:42the boys will do this summer.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49As the brief continues, the organisers disrupt their plans.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51They hear from the control tower...
0:13:51 > 0:13:54They need to take off ten minutes early,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56but still perform at the same time.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59Will they have enough fuel on board
0:13:59 > 0:14:01to allow for the extra time in the air?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Like the Red Arrows, the Chinook team can't take off
0:14:04 > 0:14:08and proceed immediately into their routine...
0:14:08 > 0:14:11They need some time in the air to complete final checks
0:14:11 > 0:14:13and achieve those crucial lower fuel levels.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Burning fuel at 20kg per minute,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20the extra flying time has the potential for serious consequences.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23By law, the team must land after a display
0:14:23 > 0:14:27with no less than 100kg in the fuel tanks.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29If they run the fuel any lower,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32they could risk starving their engines
0:14:32 > 0:14:35and potentially causing multiple engine failure.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36Not good.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39With display time minutes away,
0:14:39 > 0:14:45Brett must now circle as slowly as possible in order to conserve fuel.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49If the Chinook's fuel level drops below 260kg,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Brett will have to abandon the display completely.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58At last, showtime, and it's good news.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01They've managed to conserve enough fuel to display.
0:15:01 > 0:15:0633-year-old Brett Jones has been flying Chinooks for ten years.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10For him, days like this are all about entertaining the crowd.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14I joined the Royal Air Force to become a pilot,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18and to be given the opportunity to show the public
0:15:18 > 0:15:21what the Chinook can do is a massive privilege.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Putting the aircraft in those situations and flying it safely,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26that's the biggest and most rewarding thing.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28As an aircraft,
0:15:28 > 0:15:32the Chinook is capable of flying as high as 15,000ft.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Even when flying within display limits,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39the helicopter still surprises with its manoeuvrability and grace.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47They've wowed the crowd and they're delighted.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:15:51 > 0:15:52Cos we've got so much space here,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54we can get up to full maximum speed of the aircraft.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57So, we are able to... It was just a bit tight,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59cos they wanted us to lift ten minutes early,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01but still just fly on the same time,
0:16:01 > 0:16:02and obviously, we calculate our fuel...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06We got to about 155 probably on the first one
0:16:06 > 0:16:09and then through our 360 window, we were getting up to 160,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12so we were getting up to 160 knots, which is the max of the aircraft.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13It's the length of the runway.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Cos the crowd are extended left and right, we've been pushing it.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- So, Gordo's been saying... - Yeah, as long as...
0:16:19 > 0:16:23He's, like, entering, and I'm like, "No, no, no, no, now!"
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Yeah, cos I like to go on timing and muscle memory and stuff.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29It's like, "OK, oh, hold, hold, hold."
0:16:29 > 0:16:31That's just allowed us to keep, you know, speed.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33It's what the crowd think, really, you know, um...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35I'd say good job. Good job, good job.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Yeah, we were happy. Yeah, it went all right.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40I was impressed with Brett for once. He was pretty...
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- He was pretty good, so... - BRETT LAUGHS
0:16:42 > 0:16:45He was all right, I have no debrief points for him today, so...
0:16:45 > 0:16:46He was good.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50The Chinook team are in distinguished company
0:16:50 > 0:16:52at the Royal International Air Tattoo.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55For their display team-mates the Red Arrows,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57today is a momentous occasion.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02They're preparing to give an historic sendoff
0:17:02 > 0:17:05to one of the most distinctive- looking and -sounding jets
0:17:05 > 0:17:06in living memory.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10An icon of the Cold War era.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Named after the Roman god of fire,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17it's the last remaining plane of its kind still flying in the world...
0:17:19 > 0:17:22..the legendary Vulcan bomber.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Soon to retire,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28the huge delta-winged jet is to perform a stunning formation fly-past
0:17:28 > 0:17:32with the Red Arrows for the first and last time,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34here at the Air Tattoo.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38It will be the first time Red 1 has ever flown in formation
0:17:38 > 0:17:39with the bomber.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42It's going to be special... he's a fan.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47The Vulcan fly-past is a really big deal for me today.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50You know, I remember at a show when I was eight, nine years old,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53and we stood at the end of the runway
0:17:53 > 0:17:57when the Vulcan passed over my head on landing by 50ft.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59And I've never forgotten the feeling.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03And it left such an impression, it's such an iconic design,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06and the fact that it physically moved my entire body,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09I suppose, at that point, yeah, it always left a lasting memory.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Before its fly-past with the Arrows,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15the Vulcan embarks on a show of its own.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27At this point, it's producing more than 16 tonnes of thrust
0:18:27 > 0:18:29from its four massive engines.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Weighing more than two train carriages,
0:18:37 > 0:18:42the Vulcan can reach speeds of 645mph.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Today, the Vulcan will need to be flying a lot slower
0:18:50 > 0:18:53if he's going to be part of Big, Big Battle -
0:18:53 > 0:18:56the call sign for the iconic Reds Arrows and Vulcan formation.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07For these two types of aircraft to come together in formation,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09speed is crucial.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14The amount of inertia created in an aircraft as big as the bomber...
0:19:14 > 0:19:15is huge.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22The Vulcan must reduce its speed down to 280 knots -
0:19:22 > 0:19:24matching the Red Arrows.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29This is precision flying. There is simply no room for error.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34As Red 1 has Fairford in his sights,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37the Vulcan is slowing, approaching for the V-formation.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43This takes all of the pilots' skill and experience.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48As the crowd line draws nearer,
0:19:48 > 0:19:50the Red Arrows pilots must time to perfection
0:19:50 > 0:19:53the moment when they come together.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02The Vulcan effortlessly slips into formation with the nine Hawk jets.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10The Vulcan falls in line with Reds 6 and 7.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17The V-shape of the Hawk jets matches perfectly with the Vulcan.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Compared to the Hawks, the Vulcan's wingspan is overwhelming.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34It measures 11 times that of a Red Arrows jet.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45As this piece of flying history draws to a close
0:20:45 > 0:20:47in the skies above Gloucestershire,
0:20:47 > 0:20:51after 50 years of flying, this last remaining Vulcan,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53known as "The Spirit of Great Britain",
0:20:53 > 0:20:56can come to rest in front of its fans at the Air Tattoo.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12CROWD APPLAUDS
0:21:13 > 0:21:16And for Red 1, it's his boyhood dream come true.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20Great day.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Just had a sortie with one of the most iconic British bombers
0:21:24 > 0:21:26of British aviation history.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28That was really good, I enjoyed that.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Looking forward to getting out of this kit now
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and having a bit of a drink.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36The Air Tattoo has been a success for all,
0:21:36 > 0:21:40but the unique challenges that the Chinook team will face at Blackpool
0:21:40 > 0:21:43are still weighing on their minds.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47That display is the riskiest of all because it takes place above the sea.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53All the RAF display teams perform over water,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57but for the Chinook, it throws up some very specific dangers.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06In order to be deemed fit to fly above water,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09crews must pass the most extreme training exercise of them all.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17Underwater, under pressure, it's called the dunker.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22This training is critical.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24It ensures that all crews know how to handle
0:22:24 > 0:22:27an emergency crash landing at sea.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Replicating the confines of a helicopter cockpit,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38the crew are submerged many times in this specially designed module.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44Each time, the dunker will be raised eight metres into the air,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47then repeatedly lowered into the tank below.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51The pilots are tested on how they react when the dunker hits the water.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55How quickly can they escape from their seats?
0:22:55 > 0:22:58We do go through sea drills every year or so,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01so we'll go out into the sea, inflate our life rafts
0:23:01 > 0:23:05and sit around practising our sea survival techniques.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08This is the test the crews love to hate.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12But they know it could save their lives.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14It's going to really push Brett and James.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20So initially we'll try and escape using our breath
0:23:20 > 0:23:24and try and get out of the module. And then, if we...
0:23:24 > 0:23:27you know, run out of air or we require...we're underwater for
0:23:27 > 0:23:30a little bit longer, then we can pull this out
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and hopefully it will give us about two minutes extra in the water,
0:23:33 > 0:23:35depending on how much we're panicking.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37They say it's about two minutes, but, you know,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40if you're panicked, it's about three breaths instead.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Yeah, so we're doing the training in the pool,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45which is a little bit warmer and controlled
0:23:45 > 0:23:47and we've got safety divers around.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Obviously if this happened over Blackpool,
0:23:50 > 0:23:52we'd be panicking a little bit more.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56So hopefully, you know, the training will make it a little bit better.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16The dunker is raised into position.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24They must stay calm.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27The boys are relying on their last gasp of breath being enough
0:24:27 > 0:24:31to sustain them through the exercise and on to safety.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Brace, brace, brace!
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Without air, their lungs could take on water
0:24:54 > 0:24:57and their bodies could start to shut down.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Death from drowning can occur in two minutes or less.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15Even for combat pilots who have been trained to keep calm in extreme
0:25:15 > 0:25:19situations, this is a challenge, both physically and mentally.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Straight back in.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25No sooner are they out of the module,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28they're straight back in...again.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Each time, the experience gets harder.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37Now, as the module hits the water, they need to use their air cylinders
0:25:37 > 0:25:40whilst also being upside down.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55The dunker training certainly doesn't pull any punches.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It's all about staying calm.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Letting panic set in will only result in their hearts beating faster
0:26:05 > 0:26:07and using up more oxygen.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20This relentless training prepares the team
0:26:20 > 0:26:23for the worst scenarios they may face.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27And just when you think it couldn't get worse...
0:26:27 > 0:26:30the test is performed in darkness.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Reacting as if it were a real helicopter night crash and
0:26:43 > 0:26:48with no light to aid their escape, they know every second counts.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Brett and James must wrestle with the darkness and disorientation
0:26:55 > 0:26:56to find their way to safety.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21It's probably some of the best value for time spent
0:27:21 > 0:27:23for training, to be honest.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24This, you know...
0:27:24 > 0:27:27You hear about helicopter accidents where the...
0:27:27 > 0:27:29where everyone who's done this training has lived
0:27:29 > 0:27:31and everyone who hasn't has died.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35That's the starkness of the value of this sort of training,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37it delivers that sort of disorientation.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41When you're upside down and underwater, you can't really see,
0:27:41 > 0:27:42especially in the dark.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46It would be easy to catch you out if you hadn't had this.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51With their logbooks signed, Brett and James have the approval
0:27:51 > 0:27:53to fly the over-water display at Blackpool.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57This is my life as a pilot.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01It starts out with the aircraft that I'm qualified to fly.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05As you can see, I specialised on helicopters from a fairly early age.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10But the meat of the logbook is us logging down every hour
0:28:10 > 0:28:12and every minute that we fly.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15So this is me for the past eight, nine or ten years.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I'm still the baby of the team, as far as pilots go.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20So I've got 1,200 hours in total,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23but I've just got my 917th hour in Chinooks.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28So Brett will be going to the pins ceremony with Bowing tomorrow.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Since joining the RAF in 2002,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Brett has been on nine deployments to Afghanistan
0:28:35 > 0:28:39and now is being rewarded for 3,000 flying hours in a Chinook.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44It's the pin ceremony tomorrow, so I get the 3,000-hour badge.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47So I've already got my one and two, so I'll go get...
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- It's like a swimming certificate, isn't it?- Yeah. It is.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It's an impressive flying achievement,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59but his dedication comes at a cost.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Ready? Steady... Go!
0:29:06 > 0:29:10Time spent away from home is something Brett and his family
0:29:10 > 0:29:12have had to get used to.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17It never gets any easier, from the first time to the last time.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22You come up with new ways of...kind of coping, helping the time pass.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Better ways of keeping in touch.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28And, yeah, so...
0:29:28 > 0:29:29that helps.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36To honour the commitment and time spent flying in Chinooks,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39pilots and crews are awarded a ceremonial pin
0:29:39 > 0:29:42for every 1,000 hours flown.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Today, Brett is receiving his third.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50From 27 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Brett Jones.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53This is my 3,000 hours on Chinook.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Broke that just before the display season began.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00So I've been fortunate to spend about ten years at Odiham.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02So, in that time, you know,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05with all the Afghanistan debts, all the exercises,
0:30:05 > 0:30:07all the flying back here, I've accrued that many hours,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11so, yeah, I feel very fortunate to have flown that much on the Chinook.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15Brett is one of only three pilots currently at RAF Odiham
0:30:15 > 0:30:18who have achieved 3,000 hours.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21He will be calling on all of his experience to make Blackpool
0:30:21 > 0:30:23a sensational display.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27And his pin of recognition will take pride of place at home.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29At the moment, I've got all the certificates
0:30:29 > 0:30:32in my downstairs toilet, actually.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34When I go in there, I can look on the walls and it shows
0:30:34 > 0:30:37when I first started, and then when I first learned to fly,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and then when I joined the Chinook and everything like that, so, yeah,
0:30:40 > 0:30:41it just brings back good memories.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44I need a bigger toilet - that's the problem! Yeah!
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Three, two, one.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Lovely. Thank you very much.
0:30:55 > 0:30:56Before every display,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59all the RAF teams must ensure they are show-ready.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Aircraft are prepped, routines practised
0:31:04 > 0:31:06and transit routes are planned.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13Flight Lieutenant James Kingham is preparing the flight plan
0:31:13 > 0:31:17to Blackpool, but the constant pressure of fuel's never far away.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24For a straight line, it would be of the order of about 170 miles.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Only thing is, we can't go through a straight line.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29We avoid flying over any built-up area.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32You can see from the map here just how complicated the airspace
0:31:32 > 0:31:35gets between Liverpool and Manchester,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37but what they've helpfully put in for us is a corridor
0:31:37 > 0:31:41between the two, so what I'll try and do
0:31:41 > 0:31:44is thread the gap between the two,
0:31:44 > 0:31:48then I can get permission from them to fly inside their airspace.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54This year, the team are displaying in the new Mk4 helicopter,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56which provides an additional pressure.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02The aerodynamic stresses on the aircraft are now recorded
0:32:02 > 0:32:04in a slightly different way now on a Mk4,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07and, because of that, we now have a greater idea of how much
0:32:07 > 0:32:11stress we're putting the rotorheads under. Now it records it,
0:32:11 > 0:32:15so if we overstress the aircraft, we incur a penalty of, you know,
0:32:15 > 0:32:17say, 48 hours of engineering,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20which would make us fairly unpopular with the engineers.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22And, you know, if that were to keep happening,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26that would question - they'd call into question the viability of the display.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30With only four days before the team's seafront display in Blackpool,
0:32:30 > 0:32:33today's practice is their very last opportunity to make
0:32:33 > 0:32:35sure their routine is pitch perfect.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Welcome to the display practice brief,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43for the 6th of August, based at Dunsfold.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44The mission overview,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46we'll just take it nice and easy on the first one.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49We'll do individual manoeuvres so we're not putting
0:32:49 > 0:32:52so much stress through the aircraft. And, then, as the fuel goes down,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54we'll then build it up to the full display sequence,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57when we're back nicely at displayways.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Make sure we're nice and straight.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Twin the aircrafts in a set position.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12The dynamic moves the Chinook performs during its routine
0:33:12 > 0:33:16place an incredible amount of strain on the aircraft.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19This is particularly true in one of their most demanding moves,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21the roller-coaster,
0:33:21 > 0:33:26two steep climbs and descents, or nose-overs, in quick succession.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40We go inside the cockpit with Brett Jones
0:33:40 > 0:33:43for a unique insight into how they pull it off.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48Beginning of the roller-coaster, so pulling gently, lower the lever as we go.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53- Can't see anything out of the...- 40. - Scanning up to the...- 50.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56When Brett reaches 120 knots, he pulls the nose up
0:33:56 > 0:34:01until the airframe achieves the optimum angle of 70 degrees.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08He then lifts the tail and the nose accelerates downwards
0:34:08 > 0:34:09towards the ground.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Pausing.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- Rotate around the nose. - Nose down at 60.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Aiming for 70 and accelerating.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Again, looking for that crowd centre.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- 400.- Using maximum power to get that speed up.- 300.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24There's 120 knots. Level off.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29When he reaches 120 knots again,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31he repeats the move.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Holding there. Nosing over.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43You can hear the transmission's wailing,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46so we're already thinking about the next manoeuvre.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48If he exceeds an angle of 70 degrees,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52he risks tripping the aircraft's sensitive flight control system.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- We'll level it off there.- Happy? - Cool.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59The roller-coaster is just one of the 15 all-action moves
0:34:59 > 0:35:01they will perform at Blackpool.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06And as they put the aircraft through its paces, they hit a problem.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08Speed: 10, 20, 30,
0:35:08 > 0:35:1140, 50, 60, 70.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- Knock it off.- Knocking it off.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18INDISTINCT RADIO MESSAGES
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Just a little bit overcooked...
0:35:21 > 0:35:24The aircraft does not like that.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27Dunsfold Vortex 447. Just a few problems with our gyros.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31We're going to land on the grass south of the runway.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36They've gone beyond the set limits of their aircraft
0:35:36 > 0:35:37and must land immediately.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40What did Charlie say he had to do last time?
0:35:40 > 0:35:44If such an incident happened at the Blackpool display, Brett would have
0:35:44 > 0:35:50to abort, land as soon as possible and disappoint thousands of fans.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53What'll we do... I'll phone...
0:35:53 > 0:35:55I'm just going to call the guys. On the pull-up,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57we pulled too much nose up,
0:35:57 > 0:36:01so the aircraft's then fighting against us,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04so we've suddenly lost part of RAFCS.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06So, that's when we brought it straight and level,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09knocked it off, just brought it back round and we've come to the hover.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11I'm just going to call the engineers.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13We have this stabilising system just
0:36:13 > 0:36:18because the Chinook is fundamentally unstable, so often the back will try
0:36:18 > 0:36:21and overtake the front, so we have these stabilisation systems
0:36:21 > 0:36:24that are just trying to keep it level. You know, fingers crossed we
0:36:24 > 0:36:25might be able to get this aircraft
0:36:25 > 0:36:28back up and running in time for Blackpool.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31With no guarantee that the aircraft will be display-ready,
0:36:31 > 0:36:33the boys need to get it back to base
0:36:33 > 0:36:36immediately for the engineers to try to fix it.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Due to recent events,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45the display team find their challenge is mounting.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Thanks to the technical problems during their previous practice
0:36:48 > 0:36:50and crew members on leave,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52it's now been ten days since Brett
0:36:52 > 0:36:56and the rest of the crew performed their routine in full.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01But with just 48 hours until they join the Red Arrows
0:37:01 > 0:37:04to display over Blackpool, time's running out.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06It's down to the skills of the team
0:37:06 > 0:37:10if they are going to deliver for the waiting crowds at the airshow.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14All that's left to do now is to brief the crew one more time
0:37:14 > 0:37:15before they leave.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Five, four, three,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20two, one.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Hack. Good afternoon, everybody.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25The mission overview: it's going to be a lift from here
0:37:25 > 0:37:29up to route up to Blackpool for the Saturday to then shut down.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31And then Monday will be a display
0:37:31 > 0:37:35followed by picking up the packs from Blackpool to ITB,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38back to Odiham. Yesterday we didn't get to practise the over-water,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40OK? We haven't practised the full sequence. However,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42we practised the individual manoeuvres,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44OK? So, we'll take it nice and gentle
0:37:44 > 0:37:47and then, for the over-water, we'll discuss everything as we're
0:37:47 > 0:37:51going around to confirm everybody's content before each manoeuvre.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55With the on-crowd wind, like we did from Weston, we'll just need to
0:37:55 > 0:37:57make sure that we've got that good communication
0:37:57 > 0:38:00throughout the whole crew, so when we're doing the turns,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02you guys in the back, just give us the calls,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05how the rate of turn's going and I will vary it again.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08Give us a slight buffer with reference to the wind.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Last time, things didn't end well.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Not wanting to leave anything to chance, this time,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20they're using a Chinook from 18 Squadron...
0:38:24 > 0:38:29- Liverpool.- You'll have to take off some PATs at the back.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33..and they're hoping lightning doesn't strike twice.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35We've got two-six of fuel.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38INDISTINCT RADIO MESSAGES
0:38:46 > 0:38:48That's Manchester QNH.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50We're actually down to talk to anyone.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52We can get the...
0:38:52 > 0:38:54get the plates for Blackpool ready as well.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- I've got them ready.- Perfect.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00The unique nature of the Chinook team means that although Brett
0:39:00 > 0:39:04must perform every routine, the two other copilots take it in turns.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Box One, we've got black door approach.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14For copilot James Kingham, his front-line action in Afghanistan
0:39:14 > 0:39:17has certainly given him a new perspective on life.
0:39:17 > 0:39:18And on the Chinook.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Whenever you're getting shot at, it's a fairly enervating experience.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29But at least you know that the aircraft's on your side.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32With luck, it's not going to let you down.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Bridge coming down the left now.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40The two-and-a-half-hour transit to Blackpool has been carefully planned,
0:39:40 > 0:39:47and thanks to their efficient flight plan, they make a handy discovery.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50We do have the fuel to do that little loop to Blackpool,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52to go check out the crowd line.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- It's up to you.- Just have a look at slow speed,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57so we can then have a look at the piers,
0:39:57 > 0:39:59see what the boys look like in the distance,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02see where the crowd's centre marker is as well.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03That will just give us
0:40:03 > 0:40:06a bit of a heads-up before we pitch up tomorrow.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10With no time for a practice before the event, they fly a recce
0:40:10 > 0:40:14along the coast until Blackpool's impressive seafront comes into view.
0:40:14 > 0:40:15They've arrived.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17My God, there's a lot of sand here.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20So, it's in between these nearest two piers, I take it?
0:40:21 > 0:40:24That is the best crowd centre marker I've ever seen.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Recce done, the team land at Blackpool Airport.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32All that remains is to discuss last-minute changes
0:40:32 > 0:40:35and get a good night's sleep before show day.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52Blackpool is the longest official running airshow in the UK.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Displays have been taking place here since 1909.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02It's a key date in the display season calendar.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12Attracting crowds of up to 100,000, the two-day event is very popular.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16We've just been told it starts in half an hour
0:41:16 > 0:41:19so this little man can't wait, he keeps looking up to the sky!
0:41:19 > 0:41:21He's excited.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28You go to lots of airshows and you pay £10-£15,
0:41:28 > 0:41:31but Blackpool is free and it's such a super place.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33What more could you want?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35With so many aircraft in attendance,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38the Chinook team grab the chance to check out their competition.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44let's have a huge round of applause
0:41:44 > 0:41:47for the Royal Air Force aerobatic team for 2015 -
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- the Red Arrows! - CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:41:52 > 0:41:56For the Red Arrows, though, things are not going so well.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58The weather is drawing in.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02Due to low cloud, they're forced to perform their flat display.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12Plus, due to a technical issue, the team don't have their full line-up.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15They're performing with just eight planes.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19You've got to use your imagination here, as we are missing Red 9.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30ENGINES ROAR
0:42:30 > 0:42:33The pilots have gone to full power, you can hear that in their engines.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35They're putting 6G in this manoeuvre,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37six times the force of gravity,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39that means everything in these pilots' bodies
0:42:39 > 0:42:40is weighing six times more than normal.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Cameras ready for the Vortex.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07So far this year, the Reds have only performed an eight-ship twice before.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11It may not create their signature symmetrical formation,
0:43:11 > 0:43:15but it's still a dynamic display and it impresses the crowds.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19APPLAUSE
0:43:20 > 0:43:24Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for watching the Red Arrows!
0:43:26 > 0:43:30How they're able to fly between each other to millimetre precision
0:43:30 > 0:43:32without hitting each other's amazing.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35Unfortunately, the cloud just didn't allow anything
0:43:35 > 0:43:38other than a flat show and it's an eight-ship so it looks asymmetrical,
0:43:38 > 0:43:39but, no, the boys put on a good performance.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43It was all... Best thing's safe, very presentable and the crowd here,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46which is huge, absolutely loved it, by the sounds of it.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48Big cheers, big claps so I was impressed by it.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53It's not just the Red Arrows
0:43:53 > 0:43:57and the Chinook team representing the RAF at Blackpool.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01This year, to provide a true vintage feel to the historic airshow,
0:44:01 > 0:44:04Squadron Leader Andrew Millikin or "Millie"
0:44:04 > 0:44:09is flying a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12And, just like the Chinook team,
0:44:12 > 0:44:15flying over water presents some serious dangers for Millie.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20Displaying over the sea does have unique challenges in as much
0:44:20 > 0:44:21as if the engine fails,
0:44:21 > 0:44:23you're probably not going to make it back to land.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26If you have to ditch one of these aeroplanes in water,
0:44:26 > 0:44:29then the chances are she's going to sink pretty much immediately.
0:44:29 > 0:44:30The other disadvantage of doing that
0:44:30 > 0:44:33is of course that you'll probably be knocked out in the process
0:44:33 > 0:44:34and you'll go down with her.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43With 16 miles to Blackpool, it's a short run to the seafront
0:44:43 > 0:44:45for the start of his airshow display.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53Here it is, ladies and gentlemen,
0:44:53 > 0:44:55the oldest flying Spitfire in the world.
0:45:46 > 0:45:51Even with the low cloud, the Spitfire delivers a graceful display.
0:46:05 > 0:46:10Being a member of an RAF display team requires many skills.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14PR duties are equally important and, for the Chinook boys,
0:46:14 > 0:46:16Blackpool fish and chips are a great backdrop
0:46:16 > 0:46:19for an informal meet and greet with fans.
0:46:24 > 0:46:25Duties complete,
0:46:25 > 0:46:29Blackpool has something that will really test this team to the limit.
0:46:29 > 0:46:36It's new, it's big, it flies, but are the Chinook team tough enough...
0:46:38 > 0:46:41..for the Red Arrows Skyforce?
0:46:41 > 0:46:44This 72ft-high, 12-seat ride
0:46:44 > 0:46:48takes you on a 360-degree tour of the skies.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56Opportunities to relax as a team are another important aspect
0:46:56 > 0:46:58to working on the Chinook display.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09Having a crew around you is great.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12In your slack moments, you can banter together as a crew
0:47:12 > 0:47:15and as a team, and especially as we go throughout the display season,
0:47:15 > 0:47:18it's just the six of us so we get quite close as a team,
0:47:18 > 0:47:19especially as we're putting our lives
0:47:19 > 0:47:21in each other's hands on a regular basis.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25Each rider is scored on how many spins they manage
0:47:25 > 0:47:29and Kingham's competitive side soon shows through.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32Oh, my word!
0:47:32 > 0:47:35- It's cos of his extra weight. - It's all a momentum thing.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Tomorrow, it's their team skills that will be put to the test.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53After months of practice and training,
0:47:53 > 0:47:57this afternoon is showtime for the Chinook team.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00This is it. It's time to perform.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06Before they can take off, they must check the aircraft is ready.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10We're basically just making sure that all the panels are secure
0:48:10 > 0:48:13and there's nothing loose that shouldn't be,
0:48:13 > 0:48:15everything's in its right place,
0:48:15 > 0:48:18checking everything has been put in.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22We're just looking for any leaks under the aircraft
0:48:22 > 0:48:25and just the general condition of everything.
0:48:25 > 0:48:30So we will have completed hundreds of walkrounds
0:48:30 > 0:48:34and it's just looking for anything that's out of the norm, really.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Brett's not worried about loose items.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41It's more the British weather clouding his thoughts.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45Just as low cloud played havoc with both the Arrows
0:48:45 > 0:48:47and the Spitfires yesterday,
0:48:47 > 0:48:52today, the Chinook team have their own weather issue to deal with.
0:48:52 > 0:48:56Well, compared to yesterday, you can tell from the windsock
0:48:56 > 0:48:58that the wind has increased probably about doublefold.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01We're going to have to factor everything in
0:49:01 > 0:49:03and give a bit of a buffer,
0:49:03 > 0:49:05so the pull-up's going to have to be sooner.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09All the time, the wind's going to be blowing us towards the crowd.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12We've just got to make sure we don't bust our crowd limits.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15So we've had a chat about how we're going to manage that.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17We're going to just make sure that we've got
0:49:17 > 0:49:20all the communication between all three of us and we're always
0:49:20 > 0:49:23talking about where the aircraft is with reference to crowd line.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25With only minutes before liftoff,
0:49:25 > 0:49:28Brett makes sure the rest of the crew
0:49:28 > 0:49:31know exactly what to expect once they're airborne.
0:49:32 > 0:49:36At the moment, Blackpool are giving 230.20.
0:49:36 > 0:49:4210Ks or greater, cloud base is few at 1,900,
0:49:42 > 0:49:45scattered around about 3,000 feet and there's still that tempo
0:49:45 > 0:49:48that we might see heavy showers and rain at 4,000.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51The biggest thing will be the wind just increasing,
0:49:51 > 0:49:56so if you think the wind is coming in at about a 45-degree angle,
0:49:56 > 0:50:00so we will have to factor that in and pull up slightly earlier
0:50:00 > 0:50:03and leave that buffer for when we get blown across.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04'The wind is the biggest issue.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07'Wind can really affect the look of the display.'
0:50:07 > 0:50:10If you have a wind speed of about 35 knots,
0:50:10 > 0:50:12when we come to still speed in the air, it will just blow us.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14We don't mind the feel of the aircraft.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16However, the look is just unnatural.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18It doesn't look very nice to the public.
0:50:18 > 0:50:20We want to give the best-looking,
0:50:20 > 0:50:23symmetrical, smooth display to the public.
0:50:32 > 0:50:3530 X-ray continue down the runway.
0:50:35 > 0:50:4115 minutes to go before their show is due to begin, the Chinook team lift.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45Their holding location is two miles west of the crowds on the seafront.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50Display time is getting nearer, but the winds are still high.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
0:50:52 > 0:50:54I'm Sergeant Andy Caldwell
0:50:54 > 0:50:56and I'm this year's Chinook display team manager
0:50:56 > 0:50:58and I'll be commentating during the display today.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00If you look to 12 o'clock out to sea,
0:51:00 > 0:51:04you can see the Chinook getting ready to run its display.
0:51:04 > 0:51:09Hoping the winds will subside, the team circle at the two-mile marker.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11They are counting down the minutes.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15Will they be able to safely display for the waiting crowds?
0:51:19 > 0:51:22OK, it looks like the team are going to run in.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25This time, they're in luck. The weather is on their side.
0:51:25 > 0:51:30Although the wind is still high, it's held steady at 25 knots.
0:51:30 > 0:51:32The Chinook can handle that.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35They can safely perform their full, dynamic display.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42Ladies and gentlemen, the 2015 Royal Air Force Chinook Display Team!
0:51:44 > 0:51:47And they're kicking off with the nose-over.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50Brett is taking the Chinook up to a height of 800 feet.
0:51:52 > 0:51:54Reaching that critical angle of 70 degrees,
0:51:54 > 0:51:57he pauses, rotates the aircraft around its nose
0:51:57 > 0:52:00and begins to spiral the helicopter down to the sea
0:52:00 > 0:52:03before levelling out, ready for the next manoeuvre.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10It's an impressive move and one made even more remarkable
0:52:10 > 0:52:12when done in such a heavy aircraft.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Stripping the cab of all non-essential items gives Brett
0:52:18 > 0:52:22the power he needs to maximise the lift and thrust of the rotors,
0:52:22 > 0:52:27pushing the rate of the vertical climbs and descents to the limit.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29With the wind blowing them around,
0:52:29 > 0:52:31it's a struggle to keep the aircraft on track.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33The guys must work as a team.
0:52:38 > 0:52:39Stopped nicely on crowd centre now.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43The crew are going to perform the climb.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48It's not just the look of the Chinook that makes it so distinctive -
0:52:48 > 0:52:50it's also the sound.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52ROTORS WHIR LOUDLY
0:52:54 > 0:52:57The unique slapping noise is caused by the 30ft blades
0:52:57 > 0:53:02rotating in different directions at the front and rear of the aircraft.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08At the top of the climb, then, approximately 1,000ft there,
0:53:08 > 0:53:11Brett's going to get the nose down and perform the spiral descent.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22For every move he makes in the display,
0:53:22 > 0:53:24it's vital to have a target
0:53:24 > 0:53:28and you can't get better than the iconic Blackpool Tower.
0:53:32 > 0:53:36After this position in wing-over, Brett's going to do the next move,
0:53:36 > 0:53:37which is the nose-down 270 quick stop.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42Another impressive move is the nose-down quick stop.
0:53:43 > 0:53:48It requires this 30m-long heavy-lift aircraft to go from 120 knots
0:53:48 > 0:53:51to zero in the length of a football pitch.
0:53:52 > 0:53:53It's a manoeuvre
0:53:53 > 0:53:56with important operational significance in a war zone.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00You may need to stop quickly to evacuate combat personnel.
0:54:01 > 0:54:03To give us a unique understanding
0:54:03 > 0:54:06of what it's like to perform this demanding manoeuvre,
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Brett takes us back inside the cockpit.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15Three, two, one... Now.
0:54:15 > 0:54:20He reduces his speed from 120 knots to between 80 and 100.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24Slowly bringing the speed back to be established at 80 to 100 knots,
0:54:24 > 0:54:26making sure the aircraft's all nice and set.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30Entering three, two, one... Now.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33He picks a focal point on the ground and spins the nose
0:54:33 > 0:54:36so that it rotates through 270 degrees.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41This is the helicopter equivalent of a handbrake turn in a car.
0:54:43 > 0:54:47It's the combination of a 70-degree nose-down spin whilst braking
0:54:47 > 0:54:51that allows him to roll the Chinook into a hover in a very tight area.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08If you look closely, when the aircraft points away from us,
0:55:08 > 0:55:10hopefully you'll see Sergeant Davie Hay
0:55:10 > 0:55:12on the ramp with a big Day-Glo hand.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15Boys and girls, he can see you, make sure you give him a wave.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18As the aircraft spins round
0:55:18 > 0:55:20and gets ready to perform the final bow,
0:55:20 > 0:55:23I'd like to say it's been a pleasure to display for you in Blackpool
0:55:23 > 0:55:24and we hope to see you at an airshow soon.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,
0:55:26 > 0:55:28the 2015 Royal Air Force Chinook Display Team.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30APPLAUSE
0:55:33 > 0:55:34For the fans watching,
0:55:34 > 0:55:37it was an impressive display of skilful flying.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40Seeing them doing that, it was just amazing.
0:55:40 > 0:55:45You wouldn't think that they could do that with such a big plane.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47Copilot Kingham and crewman Ben Howard
0:55:47 > 0:55:50have been watching their team-mates closely.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53It's a good, solid display from the B team, isn't it?
0:55:53 > 0:55:55- It is from the B team. - Davie and Gordo!
0:55:55 > 0:55:57It's kind of weird being on the outside,
0:55:57 > 0:56:00being able to watch the display like another spectator
0:56:00 > 0:56:02and you find yourself muttering under your breath
0:56:02 > 0:56:03all the things you're usually
0:56:03 > 0:56:05shouting at Brett to do in the cockpit.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09We're not sure whether Brett's settled on a favourite copilot yet.
0:56:09 > 0:56:11He keeps telling us that he's picking the other one.
0:56:15 > 0:56:18For Brett, he's ending the weekend on a high.
0:56:20 > 0:56:23The weekend went really well. The displays were quite challenging.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26The wind, especially blowing up to 25 knots
0:56:26 > 0:56:29and being on-crowd is possibly the worst wind direction
0:56:29 > 0:56:32we can have cos it makes the display quite challenging.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34But the main thing is the guys worked really well.
0:56:34 > 0:56:38The communication within the aircraft was absolutely spot-on
0:56:38 > 0:56:40so, yeah, we were really happy with the weekend.
0:56:40 > 0:56:42The season's coming to an end now.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45We've only got a few more displays to go.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47All in all, it's been a brilliant season.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50It's been great flying with the rest of the crew.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53Advice for next year's pilot - it goes so quickly
0:56:53 > 0:56:55and soon it'll be over, so, yeah, just every moment,
0:56:55 > 0:56:57just enjoy it to the fullest, I'd say.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59After months of practice...
0:56:59 > 0:57:02Nice! Good, aggressive entry.
0:57:02 > 0:57:05..and gruelling survival training...
0:57:08 > 0:57:10..display season is drawing to a close.
0:57:11 > 0:57:15The Chinook team have flown at the world's biggest airshow...
0:57:16 > 0:57:18..seen their colleagues, the Red Arrows,
0:57:18 > 0:57:22perform a fly-past with a Cold War veteran
0:57:22 > 0:57:25and, despite the high winds, managed to pull off
0:57:25 > 0:57:28a dynamic performance at the UK's oldest official airshow.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31It's been a pleasure to display for you at Blackpool
0:57:31 > 0:57:33and we hope to see you at an airshow soon.
0:57:33 > 0:57:34This season may be over,
0:57:34 > 0:57:37but for the RAF's only front-line operational display team,
0:57:37 > 0:57:39it's back to the day job
0:57:39 > 0:57:42until they can take the elephant of the skies back up
0:57:42 > 0:57:44and do it all over again.
0:57:47 > 0:57:52Next time, the Great British climate threatens to upset the Red Arrows.
0:57:52 > 0:57:54If the weather stays like this here,
0:57:54 > 0:57:56then clearly the shows might not go ahead.
0:57:56 > 0:57:58Will the RAF's Typhoon fighter make it in time
0:57:58 > 0:58:01to perform at the UK's biggest seaside airshow?
0:58:01 > 0:58:04If this system does not get sorted out,
0:58:04 > 0:58:06there will be no display this weekend.
0:58:10 > 0:58:14And what's it really like to fly this giant of the sky?