The CI at Valley, Wg Cdr Bill Edwards AFC, and Lee Jones both offered Alan the No.3 position with No.4 FTS aerobatic team. He had flown a few fly-off practices with the 'team' in April 1964 but, as he was already Flight Commander on the new Gnat squadron and had recently won that season's singleton aerobatic display commitment, continuing as No.3 was not considered possible. He would occasionally use a yellow-painted Gnat aircarft for his displays and once earned the displeasure of Gerry Ranscombe when he was involved in a landing accident at Yeovilton after a show in June 1964. the aircraft - XR983 - was fortunately undamaged.