Unique view of Cosford Air Show . . . from cockpit of a Red Arrow
It is a view spectators at the Cosford Air Show won't be familiar with - but this image taken by one of the Red Arrows pilots offers a fresh perspective on the event.
The vertigo-inducing snap shows RAF Red Eight pilot, Flight Lieutenant Martin Pert, midway through a mirror pass at yesterday's show, with one of his fellow pilots just below.
High above the Shropshire countryside, moves like these are all part of the job for the acrobatic display team.
Flight Lieutenant Pert, who has been a part of the Red Arrows team for three years, posted the picture on Twitter.
He said: "Culmination of a great weekend of displays. Here's a glimpse of the Mirror Pass at @cosfordairshow.Time to head home!"
Flight Lieutenant Pert, 33, joined the Royal Air Force in Feb 2000 as a non-graduate Direct Entrant Officer Cadet.
After completing his training he was posted to Number one Fighter Squadron at RAF Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR7/9.
Whilst in the squadron, he served on operations over Afghanistan, flying close air support missions in support of ground force.
In 2010 Flight Lieutenant Pert became the squadron's qualified flying instructor and in Feb 2011, Martin was posted to 100 Squadron at RAF Leeming.
With their trademark combination of formation and precision flying the Red Arrows has been displaying its skills since 1965.
The team is made up of 120 people, including pilots, engineers and support staff.
Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire the Red Arrows team has flown in more than 4,500 displays and is celebrating its 50th season in 2014.
The show yesterday attracted thousands of families from across the county to enjoy a range of flying displays at the Shropshire RAF base.
Also making show-stopping appearances in the skies were a Spitfire and the last flying Vulcan.
See also:
Cosford Air Show in pictures
YOUR air show pictures
