0:00:02 > 0:00:06Can there be anything more British than the love of adrenaline?
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Determination in the face of adversity...
0:00:11 > 0:00:12That is not show standard.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15..which epitomises the RAF.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Brilliant to watch. It never gets tiring.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Over the course of their action-packed summer season,
0:00:20 > 0:00:22we'll be flying with Britain's ultimate pilots...
0:00:24 > 0:00:25..the Red Arrows.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31With their fellow display teams, the Typhoon jets...
0:00:34 > 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 to
0:00:44 > 0:00:48pull off the most famous flying experience in the world.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05With the display season in full swing, the Red Arrows
0:01:05 > 0:01:10are setting their sights on Britain's biggest single public coastal event.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14The high-profile Bournemouth Air Festival.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16But will the unpredictable British weather prevent them
0:01:16 > 0:01:21from turning the skies red, white and blue and keep the crowds away?
0:01:21 > 0:01:23If the weather stays like this here,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25then clearly the shows might not go ahead.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Frustrating. We put a lot of effort into training through winter. 11 displays we've lost this year.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32We're joining the RAF's Typhoon display team...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38..as they prepare a demanding finale to the Bournemouth weekend.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43Despite battling an uncooperative locked cockpit...
0:01:43 > 0:01:46The problem is, we need to get inside to adjust it.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49..a small missing part that causes big headaches...
0:01:49 > 0:01:53If this system does not get sorted out, there will be no display this weekend.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58..all of which could put an end to them stealing the show from the Red Arrows.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00But when the team receives the most shocking news
0:02:00 > 0:02:02of the display season...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06You have to respect that sort of stuff.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09..will their training and experience be enough to pull them through?
0:02:19 > 0:02:21Entertaining the crowds alongside the Red Arrows
0:02:21 > 0:02:26at the Bournemouth Air Festival will be Flight Lieutenant Jonny Dowen.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31He also flies a fast jet but it's not painted red...
0:02:32 > 0:02:34..he doesn't fly in formation...
0:02:35 > 0:02:39..and he doesn't need smoke to make patterns in the sky.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44He flies the 1,500 mph supersonic monster of the Air Force...
0:02:48 > 0:02:49..the Typhoon fighter,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53one of the most physically demanding planes in the RAF's arsenal.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00Capable of going from brakes off to Mach 1.5 in 90 seconds,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02it will give any fast jet a run for its money.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08The display arena is the perfect place
0:03:08 > 0:03:10to showcase the Typhoon's might.
0:03:12 > 0:03:17But it's the job it does 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which has
0:03:17 > 0:03:20made it a vital asset to this country's security.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Quick reaction alerts.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24We've got the jets 365 days a year,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26both here and up at Lossie, ready to go.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Essentially responsible for defence of the UK's airspace.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Ready to scramble at a moment's notice, the quick reaction alert
0:03:35 > 0:03:39base at Coningsby is made up of two frontline squadrons,
0:03:39 > 0:03:4550 combat-ready jets, 60 pilots and 500 ground crew,
0:03:45 > 0:03:50all in place for one reason - to protect us from aerial threat.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51All the guys that come through,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55one of the very first disciplines they'll learn is how to sit QRA.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00In this practice, the pilots and ground crew are poised ready to go.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02And the Typhoon will be airborne within minutes,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04to intercept any unknown aircraft.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Once in the sky, these two fully armed jets could be over
0:04:13 > 0:04:17London in a matter of minutes, ready to deal with any possible threat.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22In most cases, the target aircraft turns out to be innocent enough
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and may have just flown into difficulty or unknowingly
0:04:25 > 0:04:27strayed into restricted airspace.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32In such instances, they're escorted to the nearest nominated airfield.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37As well as being a guardian of our skies,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40Jonny trains other pilots to fly the mighty Typhoon.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51But this summer, he's been given a new challenge -
0:04:51 > 0:04:54to amaze the British public with his super-fast jet.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58And such feats grow from straightforward beginnings.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03For the design sequence, um, one of the really nice things,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06actually, about it is the fact that each year, the display pilot
0:05:06 > 0:05:11who comes in will get to design from scratch his own sequence.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14It literally was as simple as having a sort of overall concept
0:05:14 > 0:05:16of what I wanted to put across, even to the extent of, you know,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20just sitting down, watching YouTube videos of past Typhoon displays,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23other sort of F-jet displays, et cetera.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26And then with that in mind, I sit down with a bit of paper
0:05:26 > 0:05:28and draw it out, essentially -
0:05:28 > 0:05:29what I think is going to flow nicely,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31what I think is going to look good from the ground.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34And then, once I've got that sort of rough sequence put together,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I'll then go down to the simulator
0:05:36 > 0:05:38to see how it actually works and inevitably,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40that throws up a few issues
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and then necessitates design changes et cetera.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47In order to stress-test his complex moves
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and how his jet will handle them, Jonny's plans are meticulously
0:05:50 > 0:05:54examined in what looks like the best computer game ever.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00The simulator - a multi-million-pound training device that allows
0:06:00 > 0:06:04pilots to mimic an astounding variety of flying conditions.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08So the sim we're about to go into is one of our essentially dome visuals,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10so we've got 360 degree visuals, which is
0:06:10 > 0:06:14really good in terms of just going to practise a display quickly,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16either for currency trip back at Coningsby,
0:06:16 > 0:06:20or for going into Bournemouth cos we can just, you know,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23pick up the jet, move it to wherever we want in the country.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24Right, let's head on in.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29With his safety and that of his £60 million jet on the line,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Jonny is able to practise above a simulated Bournemouth.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40This 21st-century training tool allows pilots to mimic an astounding
0:06:40 > 0:06:45variety of weather conditions, environments and training scenarios.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Hi. Do you want me to get airborne and give you some quick positions for Bournemouth?
0:06:49 > 0:06:51- Yeah, that'll be fine.- Cool. Thanks, Matt.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23230 metres is the closest Jonny is allowed to get to the crowd
0:07:23 > 0:07:25during his display.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Minimising the risk to the public is everything here.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Any infringement of that line
0:07:30 > 0:07:32could result in the display being terminated.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46Paper planning done, simulator stress testing completed,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50now - up into the skies for the real rehearsal.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52A little bit of a breeze.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54A little bit of a non-crowd.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55But there's next to no weather.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Today marks the last chance Jonny has to practise those gravity-defying
0:08:01 > 0:08:05moves, prior to the Bournemouth Air Festival, just three weeks away.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- Cheers, Andy.- Cheers.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Er, yes, so it should be... It should be a full.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12And just a reasonable breeze.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16If the pressure wasn't high enough,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19his whole family have come along to watch the final practice.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24My parents, also Ness, my fiancee, and two kids.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27That'll be the first time they've seen the display, which'll be nice.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31I haven't seen his display yet.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37He showed me with his hands and little plane but...
0:08:37 > 0:08:41So I have little idea but no, I haven't seen anything.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43Why has Daddy gone far, far away?
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Because he's going to take off.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50I've cleared this break, wind 240 098.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53If Jonny doesn't nail it now, he won't have another chance before he
0:08:53 > 0:08:57is set to give the all-important show in Bournemouth a stunning finale.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Down on the ground, his pilot father Paul watches his every move.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18He always had a strong interest in aircraft, right from an early age.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21When I was doing my flying training, he'd come flying with me.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24He had his first flying lesson in the States at ten years old.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26Straightaway, an instructor said he was a natural.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Shows there was something there.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Jonny is a natural.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34His eye for detail and all-out dedication makes him
0:09:34 > 0:09:36the obvious choice for a display pilot.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42He has put his all into making this eight-minute display the best
0:09:42 > 0:09:44the South Coast crowds will see.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51One of the most skilful moves is the four-point hesitation roll,
0:09:51 > 0:09:55where Jonny puts the aircraft through 360 degrees, hesitating
0:09:55 > 0:09:58at each 90-degree interval for two seconds.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03To fully understand what is involved in this complex manoeuvre,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05we can go inside the cockpit with Jonny.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12To hold the jet at each 90-degree position requires a crucial
0:10:12 > 0:10:15combination of hand, feet and eye coordination.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18As Jonny progresses through the roll,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21the difficulty increases sharply.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27Jonny is now fully inverted and is literally hanging in his straps,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30experiencing -1G.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33He has to constantly battle the jet's
0:10:33 > 0:10:36flight control system, which is trying to counter his every command.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43This is because the Typhoon has been designed and built for combat,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46not wowing the public with challenging aerobatics.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49Wheels safely back on the ground,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56Every time he was coming down low, you're thinking, "Pull up, pull up!"
0:10:56 > 0:10:59So, you're always... You've always got that feeling, you know.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01There's always a sense of danger, obviously.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Hello, Daddy.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Displaying the Typhoon puts incredible strain on its airframe.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Here at Coningsby, a team of 500 ground crew carry out the vital work
0:11:14 > 0:11:17of keeping the jets ready to protect our skies 24 hours a day.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25And it's the same for the display teams with their punishing schedules.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29For instance, the Red Arrows need nine fully serviced jets ready
0:11:29 > 0:11:32to thrill the public in the 83 displays planned for the summer.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41It's the job of Wing Commander Martin Higgins to ensure that
0:11:41 > 0:11:46everything runs like clockwork, both inside and outside the cockpit.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50There are 134 people on the squadron
0:11:50 > 0:11:52and we need every single one of those
0:11:52 > 0:11:54to produce the show on a daily basis.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57It's not just the nine pilots that the public see.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01I understand what pressures the engineers face,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04especially the Circus, who follow the team around.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08When the pilots finish at the end of the day, the Circus will have
0:12:08 > 0:12:11to make sure the aeroplanes are good to go for the following day.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Jonny may only need one jet to perform his breathtaking display
0:12:17 > 0:12:22but, unlike the Red Arrows, his jet is also required to perform a day job
0:12:22 > 0:12:23when it's not away at the weekend.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28At 29 Squadron,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30it's just one of the 20 other Typhoons being used
0:12:30 > 0:12:34for the training of the next generation of fast jet pilots.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42This puts extra pressure on the engineers, who not only
0:12:42 > 0:12:44have to keep it flying during the training week
0:12:44 > 0:12:46but then also ensure it is ready to wow the crowds
0:12:46 > 0:12:48at every display weekend.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54With only 16 hours until Jonny is due to depart for Bournemouth,
0:12:54 > 0:12:59his jet arrives back. But there's a problem. And it's big.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02It's reporting a fault with the air brake.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08Engineer Sergeant Chris Eaton, also known as Stan, is on the late shift.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13It's his responsibility to oversee the work. The clock is ticking.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15The pressure is on to get it fixed in time.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19If this system does not get sorted out,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22there will be no displays this weekend on this aircraft itself.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26It's imperative it has an air brake for this flight.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27How's it going?
0:13:31 > 0:13:35On closer inspection, Stan discovers the source of the trouble.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39The air-brake switch on the throttle control has stopped working.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42Time is against them.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46They must remove the faulty part and fit a new one.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51But on removing the faulty unit, disaster strikes.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- We've got a potential major problem now.- OK.- Yeah. It's...
0:13:56 > 0:13:57What's basically happened is,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01a switch that is not working for the air brake - that is now missing.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05The top of the switch. And it's inside the cockpit somewhere.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09So we have now got to find that switch top, otherwise
0:14:09 > 0:14:12the aircraft really is not going anywhere at all.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15I'll have a quick look for it now.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17With only 14 hours before takeoff,
0:14:17 > 0:14:22the team don't have the time to be looking for a missing part.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Right, guys. We could be ages here.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27If they don't find it, the aircraft will not be allowed to take off
0:14:27 > 0:14:29and Jonny won't be displaying this jet.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It can be like a needle in a haystack, to be honest.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Um, sometimes we are looking for very small items indeed
0:14:37 > 0:14:39in what looks like a small cockpit but in fact,
0:14:39 > 0:14:43it's quite a large cockpit when you're trying to find things.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- It could have gone into the back. - It's got to be there.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48If the part remains hidden, the team will have to start
0:14:48 > 0:14:53the painstaking job of stripping out sections of the cockpit.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Oh, dear.
0:14:55 > 0:15:02At this late stage, a job that big will prevent the jet from ever making it to Bournemouth on time.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03It's there. I've got it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- Where?- I think it is.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- I've got it.- Can I have a look? - Yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10- Have you got it, Stan?- Got it.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Yeah, just a case of recovering it now. It's stuck right behind the ejector seat handle.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18It's just a case now, I think the armourers will have to take part of the seat out
0:15:18 > 0:15:21and it's just a case of retrieving it, then carry on as normal.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Given that the ejector seat contains explosives,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30this job is no simple task.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Only specially trained armourers are authorised to remove
0:15:33 > 0:15:35any of the seat's components.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Tricky work, especially when you're under pressure.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43So that's what we had to get out of there.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Here you are. You can put this back in.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52With the rogue part finally recovered,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54in goes the seat just in the nick of time,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58as Stan arrives back with the new throttle control.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Despite the pressure, fitting the new component is a straightforward task
0:16:02 > 0:16:03for these experts.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09And with safety uppermost in the mind,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12they finish off with a full test of the system.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Got the air-brake switch, Fletch?
0:16:15 > 0:16:16Sweet.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25What could have been a disastrous job has been saved, actually.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Yeah, so luckily we found the missing part and the aircraft will
0:16:29 > 0:16:31make the display tomorrow.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33With that challenge faced down,
0:16:33 > 0:16:36the team hopes that the big day at Bournemouth will run smoothly.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49It's the morning of departure and whilst the Typhoon
0:16:49 > 0:16:53sits at the ready, Jonny makes his final preparations for a weekend
0:16:53 > 0:16:55of South Coast displays.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00This weekend should be great. I mean, it's probably the biggest one on the South Coast.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02It is huge, just Bournemouth of itself,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05but then we've also got Dawlish a little bit
0:17:05 > 0:17:07further down the coast as well, which is, you know,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11relatively local to home for me, so that'll be nice.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14And then Shoreham, as well, on the Sunday.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16The pressure is on for Jonny.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Five displays in one weekend,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20including the huge finale at Bournemouth.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26There's no turning back.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The paperwork is filed and the training is completed.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33He's off to meet the British public and only then will he know
0:17:33 > 0:17:35if his hard work has paid off.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42Capable of reaching speeds in excess of 1,500 mph, if Jonny was
0:17:42 > 0:17:46to travel this fast, he'd be over Bournemouth in less than ten minutes.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55The weekend is well under way and the beach is packed.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57The crowds are expectant -
0:17:57 > 0:18:00thousands want to see some awesome aerial displays.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05This is our fourth time we've been. It's really good. We like it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07It's just a good fun day out.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Just love it.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Unlike Jonny at Bournemouth,
0:18:12 > 0:18:16the Red Arrows have decided to base themselves out of Exeter Airport.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19It gives them the best location for the wide variety of shows
0:18:19 > 0:18:22they need to pack into this one huge weekend.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27However, bad weather has dogged the Reds all week.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29The engineering team, the Blues,
0:18:29 > 0:18:33led by Flight Lieutenant Marcus Ramsden, are feeling the tension.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39Unfortunately, it's not gone to plans.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42So far, we've had four displays that we've had to cancel.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44The weather is not looking favourable yet again.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46It changes hour by hour.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Not the standard week for us.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Lots of chopping and changing but at the moment,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55the Jets are in a good place and we'll see what today brings.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Two days of being grounded is sapping morale amongst the Reds.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Having missed four shows in the last two days, we are very,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07very keen to try and get them in but ultimately, I mean, if the weather
0:19:07 > 0:19:10stays like it is here, then clearly, the shows that are close to here
0:19:10 > 0:19:12might not go ahead, unfortunately.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20In contrast to Exeter, Jonny touches down at a sunny
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Bournemouth Airport to be met by the rest of his team.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28As always, time is of the essence.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30The ground crew have five hours to turn around
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Jonny's jet ahead of this afternoon's first display.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Joining Jonny and the Red Arrows at the festival will be
0:19:39 > 0:19:44the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, or BBMF for short.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47They're welcoming their newest Spitfire recruit,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Station Commander Jez Attridge,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52who's arriving from Coningsby in the Chipmunk.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Sadly, hopes of flying in his first public display in a Spitfire
0:19:59 > 0:20:04are about to be shattered by Wing Commander Justin Helliwell, or Hells.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05Hello.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I thought the weather was going to be bad.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- It is, unfortunately. - Sunny Bournemouth.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11Sunny Bournemouth?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- That wind is a bit cheeky, though. - Is it?- Yeah.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16It could be at crosswind limit.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- I think it might be just outside your limits.- Is it?- It's been gusting up to sort of 14, 15.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- So you're laughing, I'm crying. - I'm absolutely laughing. I'm so pleased to be here.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Being new to the Spitfire, there are tighter restrictions
0:20:29 > 0:20:32and safety concerns for Jez.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35He has a crosswind limit of ten knots and he is not allowed to
0:20:35 > 0:20:39take off or land if the wind is outside these limits.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45As a newbie on the Spitfire, then I'm restricted to ten knots
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and they can be quite cheeky, so I'm not going to push that one. That's fine.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51And in the Second World War, they had these big grass airfields,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and they would literally take off into wind.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56They'd just adjust where the runway was into wind.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Modern aeroplanes with the nose wheel at the front, it doesn't have a crosswind problem any more.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04You know, a Typhoon's got a crosswind limit of round about 30 knots.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07We very much live by the rules with these aeroplanes just to absolutely
0:21:07 > 0:21:10make sure they're here in 100 years' time to keep displaying them.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14It just so happens today, we've got a crosswind... I'VE got a crosswind problem.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16But fingers crossed for tomorrow.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22With just a few hours until his display,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Jonny's relentless schedule continues.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27He must head to the beach to meet and greet the public.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34A big part of any display pilot's life is being the face of the RAF.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38Unlike his display, Jonny is still perfecting this side of the job.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Only a few months ago,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45I was doing a job that tens of other people do on the same squadron
0:21:45 > 0:21:49so, when you have that sort of intense interest, it just
0:21:49 > 0:21:51takes a little while to get used to, cos you think,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54"Wh-What I do isn't that..."
0:21:54 > 0:21:59I mean, yes, it is unique, but it's just a little bit surreal. It's...
0:21:59 > 0:22:00It's quite humbling, in a way.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04At no point during the whole season have I become totally used
0:22:04 > 0:22:06to it, in the sense that you just take it for granted, you know.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11It is still amazing, just how many people want to come and talk.
0:22:14 > 0:22:15Back with the BBMF,
0:22:15 > 0:22:22and Hells has taken over Jez's seat in the 1944 Mark IX Spitfire.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26This aircraft completed an astonishing 60 operational sorties
0:22:26 > 0:22:29over occupied France in the run-up to D-Day.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Alongside him is Squadron Leader Dunc Mason,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38flying the last-ever Hurricane to roll off the production line in 1944.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40An impressive duo.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46That's...! Look at it, right the way across the runway.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48This is an old World War II airfield.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53It's actually got all of the superstructure for six runways.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58What I needed them to do was invest in it for the last 70 years.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00So that I could fly today!
0:23:04 > 0:23:07A disappointed Jez can't resist seeing the boys off.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Kicking off today's extravaganza at Bournemouth
0:23:18 > 0:23:21are the Spitfires and Hurricanes of the BBMF.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Bournemouth Air Festival is huge.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Over four days, it will showcase
0:23:33 > 0:23:3650 air displays by 15 different display teams,
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and attract over one million visitors to its shores.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45It's therefore no surprise that this is one of the biggest
0:23:45 > 0:23:48displays of the year for both the pilots and the public.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54It's also a chance for the public to meet their flying heroes
0:23:54 > 0:23:58and get that much-cherished photo and autograph.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00There you go.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- That's great. Thank you very much. - Yeah. No worries.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07It's that human element, I guess.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09It's just important for us to chat about what it is we do.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Thank you.- That's all right.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14The set-up we've got here, it's not just about what I do.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16It's all of the other stuff as well.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18So engineers, admin, all sorts of people that come
0:24:18 > 0:24:21and work on the trailer. It's good,
0:24:21 > 0:24:23because it just shows how much we have to offer as a force,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26as opposed to it just being a one-man-band type thing,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30which it's not. Ultimately, I think everyone wants to come and say hello and find out a bit more.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35Jonny may have his public relations hat on but inside his head,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37he is never far from his display.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- Thank you. - So I mean, looking at the weather,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43it looks as though that cloud's just staying away and it's kind of been
0:24:43 > 0:24:46sat there for a while so I think I'll probably get a full display.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48If it stays like this I'll do a full, which will be nice.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53News of the great weather makes its way to Exeter
0:24:53 > 0:24:54and the Red Arrows Circus.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58So I'm actually just on Twitter now
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and I've just received a message from Red Ten,
0:25:01 > 0:25:05following his Twitter stream, and he's sent us a picture of
0:25:05 > 0:25:08blue skies over Bournemouth, which is quite a stark difference
0:25:08 > 0:25:10to the weather that we've got over here,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12so the boys will take off from here
0:25:12 > 0:25:14and fingers crossed for the display this afternoon.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22After the anticlimax of four cancelled displays
0:25:22 > 0:25:25and the boredom of two days of being grounded,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29it looks like the skies will once again be painted red white and blue.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37The Reds heading for Bournemouth signifies an hour
0:25:37 > 0:25:39until Jonny's Typhoon display.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Back at the airport, he's running through the final checks
0:25:43 > 0:25:46for his all-important spectacular finale.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Running through the checklist,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54um, Taf - weather's going to be the biggie, I think, for today.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55So happy with what they've forecast,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58although it seems to be differing slightly.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Dayton, actually is large hotel, seafront, big red markers,
0:26:02 > 0:26:05marked between the pier, so happy with that.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06It's going to be a right-hand display,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08notionally with a west hand hold running in.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Height restriction is going to be down to 100 feet,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14albeit there are yachts with masts up to 150,
0:26:14 > 0:26:17so just playing that one sensibly.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Emergency considerations are standard.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23If I take a bird, it'll be notional to come back into Bournemouth.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28At coastal displays, the risk of a bird strike is very real.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Not only would it immediately end the display,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33but it could have more catastrophic consequences.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38All the prep is done.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42the only element Jonny doesn't have any control over is the weather.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45It will decide which type of display he can perform.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50As it stands, the skies are clear
0:26:50 > 0:26:54and everything is pointing towards his full dynamic Typhoon display.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Not ones to waste a blue-sky opportunity,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01the Reds are pulling out all the stops.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03It's their first display in almost a week
0:27:03 > 0:27:07and it's also the all-singing, all-dancing full display.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Clear visibility and lack of cloud means the public get to
0:27:13 > 0:27:17marvel at high-level display moves, like the Champagne Split...
0:27:19 > 0:27:21..and the breathtaking Heart And Spear.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26With this display ending their run of bad luck,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30there's one Red Arrow breathing a sigh of relief -
0:27:30 > 0:27:33the boss, David Montenegro - Red 1.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39As soon as we got into the Bournemouth area, it was absolutely blue sky, gin-clear.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40So we got a full show in.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Any form of aviation is a good thing in this team,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45so it's been a good day. Much better than the last two days,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47where we were completely weathered out.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52At most air festivals, the Reds would be closing the day's events.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55But here in Bournemouth...
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'Ten-four-two, clear for takeoff. Wind 230 degrees. 14 knots.'
0:27:58 > 0:28:02That job is being left to Jonny in the mighty Typhoon.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07And it doesn't start well.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11The weather has not read the script. The clouds are back.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Jonny has no option but to go for the less dynamic rolling display.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Running at eight minutes, Jonny's carefully engineered display
0:28:22 > 0:28:26is packed with high-G turns and technically advanced manoeuvres.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30But it's not his full display
0:28:30 > 0:28:34and all his moves have to remain below the cloud base to ensure
0:28:34 > 0:28:37he keeps the visual references needed to perform safely.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53He would have loved to have wowed the crowds with the full display.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59And back on the ground, it's hard to hide his feelings.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Yeah, ended up doing a rolling, which was a little bit disappointing.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05I mean, it is quite nasty out towards the west, actually.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I mean, it's OK. It was all right, quite a cheeky little breeze.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Not my finest performance, but it'll do.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13I kind of spent all afternoon roasting in the sun,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16thinking I was going to get a full, and then it was a flat, so...
0:29:16 > 0:29:20It's one of those things. One of those things, and, yeah, just...
0:29:20 > 0:29:21do a better one tomorrow.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Jonny's high standards make him his own worst critic.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29But with two days still to go, there's plenty of time for him
0:29:29 > 0:29:32to push both himself and his Typhoon to the limit.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43The Great British public are packed into Bournemouth,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46all ready for another day of the air festival.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Their expectations are high.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52With a coastal display,
0:29:52 > 0:29:55the beach isn't the only place teeming with avid spectators.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Out in the bay sits over 1,000 boats, both military and civilian,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05all jostling for the perfect view.
0:30:08 > 0:30:09Let's go.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13But before anyone thinks of flying,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Senior Engineering Officer Bryn Kirby
0:30:15 > 0:30:18and Jonny have to deal with a bird strike
0:30:18 > 0:30:20of a very different kind.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Image is everything -
0:30:22 > 0:30:26even when you are asked to go from a £60 million jet
0:30:26 > 0:30:28to a family-sized saloon car.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31En route to the car wash,
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Jonny has time to reflect on a busy day of displays -
0:30:35 > 0:30:38one in Dawlish, near his home town,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40and closing the show in Bournemouth.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44I think today should be fine.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Again, there's just that risk of weather coming in
0:30:46 > 0:30:50a little bit later, around about display time. So we will see.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52I don't think it will be horrendous,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54but hopefully the clouds will stay away.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57I think Dawlish will certainly be nice this morning for us.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06The guys are doing such a good job, it's given Bryn an idea.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- Would do a good job on the jet, actually.- Mm.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- See if they're free.- Yeah.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18With a clean set of wheels, the boys head for the airport.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Joining the Reds and Jonny at the air festival this weekend is
0:31:23 > 0:31:25the Chinook Display Team.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Made up of a crew of three,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32they are headed up by display pilot Flight Lieutenant Brett Jones.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36So we're off to the airport.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40It will be the two air shows today, so we've got Bournemouth initially,
0:31:40 > 0:31:44and then we'll be back to Bournemouth Airport for a refuel.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46And then it's off to Shoreham.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49We've been quite lucky, we've done quite a lot of over-sea ones.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51We've got used to it.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53The communication levels within the crew just picks up.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57We leave a bit of a buffer on our minimum heights as well, because it
0:31:57 > 0:32:00is a bit harder to judge the height as you're coming over the water.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Shoreham is another one.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05That one will pose another challenge, cos it's a bit tighter
0:32:05 > 0:32:08than our original ones. And there are quite a few "no overflight",
0:32:08 > 0:32:13so we'll have to adapt the display to remain within those confines.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Yeah, there are two distinct, separate challenges today.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19But it should make the day interesting.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25If two displays weren't enough, the BBMF have trumped them all.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Hello, Ian, it's Jez Attridge from the BBMF. How are you?
0:32:29 > 0:32:33With three shows to pack into the day, Jez and squadron leader
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Dunc Mason get in early with Air Traffic Control.
0:32:37 > 0:32:38Perfect, see you, bye.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42This one's a little bit more complicated today
0:32:42 > 0:32:45because we fly the display at Bournemouth,
0:32:45 > 0:32:49and then we're going down to Shoreham for a display down there,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and then come back and then get some fuel in the aeroplanes
0:32:53 > 0:32:54to go to Dawlish.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57So if I can make that transit from Bournemouth down to Shoreham
0:32:57 > 0:32:59really easy, by talking to the air traffic controller,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02so the first thing they hear from us is me on the phone now
0:33:02 > 0:33:05rather than just in the air, it'll just make it a lot easier.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Save some fuel. And save a bit of time as well.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10So have we talked to Shoreham yet?
0:33:10 > 0:33:13I haven't spoken to them yet, I'll speak to them.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- So 14:55 is the takeoff, isn't it? - Yep.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Thankfully for Jez, crosswinds are down and it's looking good
0:33:20 > 0:33:22for his first public Spitfire display.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27It looks like we're on the Eastleigh runway.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30All this preplanning ensures the pilots are ready to deal with
0:33:30 > 0:33:32almost any eventuality.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37And whilst they put their plans in motion, their team of skilled
0:33:37 > 0:33:41engineers see to it that the aircraft are ready to amaze.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45With such a busy day ahead, the ground crews have their work
0:33:45 > 0:33:48cut out, not least of all the Typhoon team.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55With two displays so close together, Jonny is not leaving anything
0:33:55 > 0:33:59to chance, and has opted to use both jets.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03The engineers swing into early action, which is just as well.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06All we are going to do is just crack the canopies open,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10get a bit of airflow in there, after it's sat for all night.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17Open the canopy.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20The canopy is jammed.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Occasionally, the hydraulic pressure needed to open the canopy drops
0:34:25 > 0:34:28when the aircraft has been standing overnight.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32The easiest way to top it back up is with a simple hand pump.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Normally, hydraulic pressure is only supplied by the engines.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40Of course, we can't run those just to open the lid.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42SQUEAKING
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Once the hydraulic pressure is increased, the canopy should open.
0:34:54 > 0:34:55But it doesn't want to cooperate.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01The team have only 60 minutes until the display at Dawlish.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03They need to find a solution.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04And fast.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09Hi, there, it's Jonny Dowen with the Typhoon Display, down at Bournemouth. How are you doing?
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Inside, Jonny is unaware of the problems with the jet...
0:35:14 > 0:35:16..and is continuing to make the final touches
0:35:16 > 0:35:19to his contingency plan for Dawlish.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22I just wanted to double-check, our op should have booked
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Brize for the period I'll be flying this afternoon.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30Can you just confirm whether that is still the case, and any pertinent stuff going on?
0:35:30 > 0:35:33In case of an emergency during a display,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37the pilots need to have a back-up airfield that they can land at.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40In Jonny's case, this would be Brize Norton.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Cool, cheers, thank you. Bye.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Flight and contingency planning in place,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49all Jonny needs now is an aircraft he can fly.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57We think one of the microswitches will be
0:35:57 > 0:36:00just out, a little bit of adjustment.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The problem is we need to get inside to adjust it, so...
0:36:03 > 0:36:05It will work, hopefully.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09With no access to the microswitch,
0:36:09 > 0:36:12the team are trying some unusual techniques to gain entry.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Maybe all you need is the magical touch.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19All right, who's watched Happy Days before?
0:36:23 > 0:36:25THEY CHUCKLE
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Never going to live this down, am I?
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- No, not really.- I'm going home.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Time is now the enemy. All hands are needed to get the switch fixed.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38We've adjusted the microswitch,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41so now, hopefully, it'll open and close as is, so...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Jonny can go flying.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Job done.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Vital final checks done, it's over to Jonny.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03All that's left is to go and dazzle the crowds at Dawlish
0:37:03 > 0:37:07with some high-energy display moves in this slick-looking jet.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12The Typhoon's striking colour scheme mimics that of a Hurricane
0:37:12 > 0:37:15used during the Battle of Britain,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19and is a reminder of those that lost their lives 75 years ago.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23It's no surprise that it turns heads wherever it goes,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26including that of the Chinook's display pilot, Brett.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I've been lucky enough to go up one.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32I've got a friend up at Coningsby,
0:37:32 > 0:37:36and he happened to be going on a sortie in the two-seater aircraft,
0:37:36 > 0:37:41so I managed to go up, we did a bit of high-speed flight over the water.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44So, yeah, it was an amazing experience.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48But I'm still biased - I love the Chinook, to be honest,
0:37:48 > 0:37:50having flown it in loads of different environments,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53and seen what it can do on the display. You know, you can
0:37:53 > 0:37:55have immense amount of fun in that thing.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Yeah, it was good to experience, but no,
0:37:57 > 0:37:59I wouldn't change it for anything.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08Brett isn't the only one showing his love for the Chinook.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12His co-pilot, Gordo, has some fond memories of flying
0:38:12 > 0:38:14in this particular aircraft.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17This was the aircraft we had in Kabul for three months with us.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Probably the most reliable aircraft we had at the time.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24So it's strong in our hearts, 980, also known as the Whip,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27as we used to call it. But this will be the first time
0:38:27 > 0:38:31it'll be put through its display paces, so we'll see how it handles.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32See if it becomes a new favourite.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39A short 70-mile hop from Bournemouth Airport is the small
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Devonshire town of Dawlish.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44With its picturesque bay and dramatic coastline,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47it makes for the perfect display location.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Amongst the 80,000 strong crowds are Jonny's parents,
0:38:54 > 0:38:58who couldn't resist the chance to see their son perform above home turf.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03You think of him as that little boy playing with those toy planes about 25 years ago.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07And there he is flying a Typhoon, so, for us, it's...
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- a bit surreal sometimes, isn't it?- Yes.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13It's just fantastic to see him achieving his life's ambition.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- And just doing something he really loves to do.- And he does love it,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- every second of it.- Yeah.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Jonny begins his display by passing over the headland at 100 feet,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29flying at nearly 460 mph.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39The Typhoon's twin engines can produce 20,000 lbs of thrust each,
0:39:39 > 0:39:44allowing the aircraft to go from brakes-off to Mach 1.5 in 90 seconds.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50After a series of impressive turns and rolls,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Jonny engages in a high-speed pass along the crowd line,
0:39:53 > 0:39:57accelerating from 170mph
0:39:57 > 0:40:00to over 600 in just 20 seconds.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05At the end of this high-speed run,
0:40:05 > 0:40:11Jonny enters a 9G turn - the limit for both himself and the aircraft.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17To understand what this feels like, we go back inside the cockpit
0:40:17 > 0:40:21as Jonny demonstrates the extreme capabilities of this aircraft.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27Jonny has the jet at 600mph.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Next, he puts the jet into idle
0:40:30 > 0:40:35and pulls back hard, rolling the jet into a dramatic 9G turn.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38That's nine times the force of gravity.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Lasting for 16 seconds,
0:40:41 > 0:40:46the 9G makes his body weigh that of a Formula One car and both Jonny
0:40:46 > 0:40:49and the G suit have to work hard to keep the blood from draining
0:40:49 > 0:40:52away from his head into his legs.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Jonny cannot rely on the G suit alone to combat gravity.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00He must tense all his muscles to further restrict the blood flow
0:41:00 > 0:41:04to his legs - lowering his risk of blacking out.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15One full display down, but the big finish over Bournemouth is
0:41:15 > 0:41:18still to go for Jonny.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Meanwhile, at the other end of the airfield, the Chinooks
0:41:21 > 0:41:24are gearing up for their own show at Bournemouth.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27But moments before they're due to take off,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30there appears to be a problem.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Hello, Jez Attridge from the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight. How are you?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Yeah, I'll call you back. Thank you.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Dunc, Shoreham have had an accident.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56We've had a message there's been an aircraft crash at Shoreham
0:41:56 > 0:42:01so we don't think Shoreham is going to go ahead and post a display.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04So, we are still on time for Bournemouth,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07we're doing Bournemouth and then after that we will land on
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and find out what's happening.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14So, yeah, we should have more news when we get back, all right?
0:42:14 > 0:42:15See you in a bit.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Hello, it's Dunc Mason from BBMF. Hi there.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I am trying to get hold of Rod just to get a brief for the display
0:42:24 > 0:42:29today. Is there any way of getting hold of him at the moment?
0:42:29 > 0:42:32There has been some kind of incident at Shoreham. We're not sure
0:42:32 > 0:42:35what it is but they'll be tied up with whatever this is right now.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39OK, that's fine. That's all I need to know. OK, bye.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44I think we just have to wait on that one.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48That's... I don't know if they will restart the display or not.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Unaware of the severity of the situation at Shoreham,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Jez has no option but to turn his mind to the job in hand -
0:42:58 > 0:43:01his first public display in a Spitfire.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03A little bit of trepidation, only cos it's a big show
0:43:03 > 0:43:08and there has been an accident at Shoreham, unfortunately,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10so it just shows you this is...
0:43:12 > 0:43:16There's an element of risk to it but, you know, I'm excited.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18It's a lovely day for it and...
0:43:19 > 0:43:22..let's hope the wind stays where it is.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28With the thunderous roar of the Merlin engine and an excited
0:43:28 > 0:43:33crowd of spectators to wave him off, Jez is soon in his element.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36But getting to this moment has not been a walk in the park.
0:43:39 > 0:43:44It has taken 3,800 hours of intense fast jet flying and 32 hours
0:43:44 > 0:43:48in a Hurricane for Jez to finally fulfil his childhood dream.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54This graceful display is a sobering reminder of the sacrifice many
0:43:54 > 0:43:59young men gave 75 years ago over these very shorelines
0:43:59 > 0:44:01during the Battle Of Britain.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08The moment has certainly not been lost on the station commander.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15The Spitfire smile. It was epic.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18Really, really good. Really good.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21There's an awesome poem by a guy called John Gillespie Magee
0:44:21 > 0:44:25which just grabs all of this Spitfire flying. It's believable.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30You just go up there, look at the cloud today - it's just perfect.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33Battle Of Britain day. But it gives you an insight into
0:44:33 > 0:44:38what those people did but only an insight. It is tremendous.
0:44:38 > 0:44:40What an honour. Great.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48Sadly for Jez, this excitement will be short-lived as news is
0:44:48 > 0:44:50filtering through from Shoreham.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59OK, cool. We'll see you back there. Yes, Cheers.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01Yeah, as we expect, that's us done.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03I think with everything kicking off,
0:45:03 > 0:45:07whether they plan to do an air show the second day, I don't know.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11With further displays at Shoreham cancelled for the day,
0:45:11 > 0:45:14the teams have no choice but to put their aircraft to bed.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18We're not going to fuel the aircraft
0:45:18 > 0:45:20because we don't know the plan tomorrow.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22At the moment the guys are going to service it
0:45:22 > 0:45:25and make sure everything is A-OK and fingers crossed the person
0:45:25 > 0:45:30involved or people involved are OK at Shoreham.
0:45:30 > 0:45:31Yeah.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36Everyone is wondering what has gone on at Shoreham.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39From the sound of things, a very bad accident down there and our thoughts
0:45:39 > 0:45:44are with the people at Shoreham and the organisers on the ground.
0:45:44 > 0:45:45Yeah.
0:45:48 > 0:45:53The shock of the day's events has everyone in a reflective mood.
0:45:53 > 0:45:54Not least of all, Jonny.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02On this, the penultimate show before Jonny closes Bournemouth
0:46:02 > 0:46:04tomorrow, it's time to reflect.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09Obviously very sad news about what's happened in Shoreham.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12Quite sort of sobering.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16You do think about those that have been involved.
0:46:18 > 0:46:19Ready to taxi...
0:46:22 > 0:46:28- DISPATCHER:- Taxi to November...
0:46:28 > 0:46:32DISPATCHER: Cleared for takeoff...
0:46:37 > 0:46:40I have got to go fly a display at Bournemouth
0:46:40 > 0:46:43so it will be... As sad as it is, it will have to be put behind me.
0:46:48 > 0:46:54It just sort of puts it into context how potentially dangerous it can be.
0:46:59 > 0:47:02You have what appears to be hugely glamorous on the outside can
0:47:02 > 0:47:04very quickly go the other way.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10And you do always, at the back of your mind,
0:47:10 > 0:47:13have that awareness of risk.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17It is important to remember those risks are there
0:47:17 > 0:47:20and you don't ever become complacent.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43Day three at Bournemouth
0:47:43 > 0:47:45and in true British style, the heavens have opened.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50If this weather persists, all our teams
0:47:50 > 0:47:54and their display plans will be thwarted.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57Jonny will not get to close the festival as planned.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01But British holiday-makers are an optimistic breed.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08Determined to keep his spirits up, Jonny's eyes are on the skies.
0:48:09 > 0:48:14Morning. Weather, again, doing its thing, I guess.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17Um, it has been like this all weekend
0:48:17 > 0:48:19although obviously this is a little bit worse
0:48:19 > 0:48:22but luckily having got the full in yesterday,
0:48:22 > 0:48:27looking at the forecast we should still get something in this afternoon.
0:48:27 > 0:48:31It's forecast to brighten up so I think even if I don't get the full in,
0:48:31 > 0:48:35hopefully get the rolling in but for the time being I'm going to
0:48:35 > 0:48:39head down to the PR trailer and see what's going on.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43Jonny isn't the only one hoping for a break in the weather.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45The Chinook's pilot, Brett,
0:48:45 > 0:48:49is also remaining positive on this damp Sunday morning.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51I am hoping the weather is going to improve.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Yesterday was such a good day with the weather.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56So, fingers crossed but you never know
0:48:56 > 0:48:59if another rain shower will hit us.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02So, yeah, I hope it remains clear.
0:49:03 > 0:49:07But the British weather is fickle. And somehow the clouds part.
0:49:13 > 0:49:17Amazingly, the last day of the air fest starts on time.
0:49:19 > 0:49:23First up of the RAF's teams is the Chinook - turning heads again
0:49:23 > 0:49:26with their elephant of the skies strutting its stuff.
0:49:29 > 0:49:34The crowds aren't the only ones being lifted by the sight of blue skies.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38It has been largely a dreary week for the Red Arrows.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41Quite frustrating - we put a lot of effort into training
0:49:41 > 0:49:44throughout the winter and we have 84 public displays this year
0:49:44 > 0:49:46and to lose six of them - a quick bit of maths!
0:49:46 > 0:49:48Six of them this week is very frustrating.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Obviously that's 11 displays we have lost this year now to
0:49:51 > 0:49:53weather so a really bad British summer.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Bournemouth is bathed in sunshine.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01The crowds can't wait for an afternoon of world-class flying.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03Typhoon Jonny is ready -
0:50:03 > 0:50:07if he can keep his all-important energy levels where they need to be.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14By the end of a busy weekend, it can get quite tiring.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18It does take its toll, and certainly you do notice that the fourth
0:50:18 > 0:50:22display I'm working harder than I would be, say, on the first,
0:50:22 > 0:50:24so you do need to watch out for that fatigue from a G-tolerance
0:50:24 > 0:50:27point of view, but that's where the kit really comes into its own.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30All-in-one trousers to provide that G protection,
0:50:30 > 0:50:34and the jacket as well, that inflates, to compress your chest.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37And you get an overpressure in the mask as well.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40It sort of inflates you from the inside, basically.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44You know, it all helps just to make life that little bit easier.
0:50:48 > 0:50:52During such a demanding season, the RAF display pilots cannot
0:50:52 > 0:50:56rely on just their aerobatic skills and years of flying to succeed.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01Pilots are given guidance throughout training, but once they become
0:51:01 > 0:51:05operational, the onus is on them to keep their fitness levels up.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Jonny is no exception,
0:51:08 > 0:51:09and during display season
0:51:09 > 0:51:12he's stepped up his gruelling training schedule.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15When you're doing five displays over the course of a weekend,
0:51:15 > 0:51:17week in, week out, I just didn't want to get to a point where
0:51:17 > 0:51:20I'm starting to feel just overall fatigued.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25The reason Jonny needs to stay
0:51:25 > 0:51:29so fit is that almost all his display turns produce at least 6G.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34Both his physical fitness
0:51:34 > 0:51:38and his special G-suit are vital to combat the effects.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44INDISTINCT SPEECH OVER RADIO
0:51:49 > 0:51:52But the most uncomfortable manoeuvre of the display
0:51:52 > 0:51:56comes off the back of an incredibly prolonged 9G turn.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02Jonny inverts the jet and pushes it into an eye-popping turn.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07To fully understand the effects of this,
0:52:07 > 0:52:09we go inside the cockpit with Jonny.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16As Jonny pulls out of the 9G turn,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19he will be on the verge of blacking out.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22If not for the G-suit, which is helping his body cope.
0:52:24 > 0:52:29In a matter of seconds, as he inverts the jet and pushes it into an outside
0:52:29 > 0:52:35turn, Jonny goes from experiencing 9G to minus 3, an unbelievable swing.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41In negative gravity, his G-suit has no effect.
0:52:44 > 0:52:48All the time this negative G is forcing blood into his head
0:52:48 > 0:52:51and pulling his body tight against the harness.
0:52:53 > 0:52:54During this ten-second manoeuvre,
0:52:54 > 0:52:58Jonny's head is filling with more and more blood.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01Even though painful, Jonny has to resist the temptation
0:53:01 > 0:53:04to pull out early, disrupting the display sequence.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15This season has given Jonny the display bug.
0:53:15 > 0:53:19But where could he possibly challenge his skills next?
0:53:19 > 0:53:21- ANNOUNCER:- The Red Arrows!
0:53:22 > 0:53:26Every year, the Red Arrows take on two or three new recruits.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29Maybe next year one of those iconic red suits may
0:53:29 > 0:53:32find its way into the hands of Jonny Dowen.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36For my own sort of career progression I don't see how
0:53:36 > 0:53:38I could ever go any further than that or top that.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43But for now, like the many thousands on the ground,
0:53:43 > 0:53:45he can only admire them from afar.
0:53:47 > 0:53:52The Reds are such an institution, such an iconic team.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54You just bump into anyone around the air show,
0:53:54 > 0:53:57and they've always, at some point,
0:53:57 > 0:53:59they've gone to try and see the Reds.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01The little kids walking around in the red flying suits -
0:54:01 > 0:54:04it just gets passed from generation to generation.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06Everyone grows up with the Reds.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09They are just a symbol of best of British. It would be incredible.
0:54:13 > 0:54:15All of Jonny's training,
0:54:15 > 0:54:19sacrifice and dedication have led to this moment. It is his time.
0:54:19 > 0:54:23Time to close the biggest public air show in Britain.
0:54:27 > 0:54:30Good afternoon. Typhoon 4-2 for start.
0:54:30 > 0:54:33Typhoon 4-2. Start approved.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36MUSIC: When I Ruled The World by Coldplay
0:54:44 > 0:54:48- Typhoon 4-2, line-up runway 2-6. - Line-up 2-6, Typhoon 4-2.
0:54:49 > 0:54:54Typhoon 4-2, left turn, cleared for takeoff.
0:55:54 > 0:55:57- The Typhoon at the end. - It's outstanding.- Love it.
0:55:57 > 0:56:02- I love heavy metal!- You can really feel the sound inside of you.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04It's really, really good.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07I just wanted it to go faster so it would make more noise, that was all.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10I am sure it can probably go faster still, but you could hear it
0:56:10 > 0:56:14and feel it in your chest as it flew past, and the noise and everything.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18- Incredible.- Complete admiration for the people who fly those.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21I think it would be fun, but it would probably make me
0:56:21 > 0:56:24- feel a bit queasy.- You'd have to be brave, because I wouldn't do that.
0:56:24 > 0:56:27- Basically, a fantastic end to the show.- Yeah, yeah.
0:56:29 > 0:56:33He's done it. Jonny's impressed the Bournemouth crowds.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39Over the course of this series,
0:56:39 > 0:56:42we've flown with the mighty Red Arrows as they braved low cloud
0:56:42 > 0:56:47to make it to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's birthday fly-past.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51That was probably the best thing I've ever done in my entire life.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54We've seen what it takes to keep the old war birds in the sky with
0:56:54 > 0:56:57the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight,
0:56:57 > 0:57:00as they strived to put on a show for the World War II veterans.
0:57:02 > 0:57:04Makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
0:57:04 > 0:57:08It was great, all 18 aircraft airborne. So I couldn't be happier.
0:57:08 > 0:57:13And they pulled off a spectacular Spitfire/Typhoon synchro display,
0:57:13 > 0:57:17all to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle Of Britain.
0:57:21 > 0:57:24We've trained with the Chinook team above and below water.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27Obviously if this happened over Blackpool,
0:57:27 > 0:57:28we'd be panicking a little bit more.
0:57:28 > 0:57:31And we've seen the physical stresses exerted
0:57:31 > 0:57:35on a Typhoon display pilot up close.
0:57:35 > 0:57:38- HE GROANS - Minus three.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45We've been inside the bubble with the RAF's elite,
0:57:45 > 0:57:49witnessed their highs and lows during the busy display season,
0:57:49 > 0:57:53and caught a glimpse into their unique world,
0:57:53 > 0:57:57to find out what it takes to be Britain's ultimate pilots.