The Arrows at Akrotiri
 

We all know that The Red Arrows practice in Cyprus in the Spring - but when? I have an invitation to visit a friend in Nicosia and would like to synchonise (;)) my visit with the Reds.

Used to be March, I think.

I was there in '86 for ATC Camp and they arrived early April.

For the past 2 or 3 years, the Red Arrows have NOT gone to AKT for their spring practice sessions, apparently due to the base being too busy with other ongoing missions. Instead, they have flown from a base in Greece, generally around Easter time.

They go to the med for Springhawk, their final work up training and PDF at Easter. In the past they have gone to Cyprus, but for the last couple of years the operations at Akrotiri have prevented that and they have used Androvida in Greece.

Not always Cyprus. Tanagra, Greece is also used.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/news/ind...DBED827BF9F820


https://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/aboutus/redsyear.cfm

At least 3 of them were practicing over Scamptopn earlier today, nice job guys.

That will have been the three new boys, Reds 1, 2 and 3.

Many thanks for the rapid info. It sounds like the destination will not be chosen until well into the new year and I was hoping to book tickets.

PAXboy you will have missed a real treat unless they go back to Akrotiri! I still vividly remember staying with friends on married quarters in the mid 80’s. Coming out onto the veranda for my breakfast tea and toast in the morning and having the pleasure of watching them practice was absolutely brilliant. They probably did other practices later in the day but by then I was down on the beach doing my own practicing of how to hit the water without hurting myself too much. Otherwise known as learning to water-ski. Then it was copious amounts of alcoholic fluids to stop dehydration – I was on holiday from RSAF Tabuk working on their Lightnings. Don’t know what it was like there for the guys during GW1 & 2 but our home brew was an acquired taste!

RAFAT will not be using Cyprus whilst SHADER is ongoing.

100 Sqdn were there doing target towing for a visiting Phantom Squadron - could it have been 41, I can't remember? Anyway, the Arrows demanded the airspace around the airfield for their exclusive use; if a Canberra and F4 were airborne and had finished and wanted to come home - tough, they had to stay up there, weren't even allowed to dive back in when the Arrows were 'between' practices.
Needless to say, there was 'friction' between the various 'flyers' in the bar every evening!

First day of practice at Akr EARLY 90's 0700, Akr Tower Red Arrows taxi, Red Arrows hold, reason, 'local aircraft for departure', 2nd day 0700, Akr tower Red Arrows Taxi, Red Arrows hold, reason, 'local aircraft ahead', day 3 0800 Akr tower Red Arrows taxi, Red Arrows Akr tower taxi. Learning had taken place, local aircraft with chase car took priority.

I presume the 'local aircraft' you mention is the one which isn't (wasn't?) 'officially' there. It used to take off every morning as we were walking to the mess for breakfast.

They’re officially there, that’s not a secret any more. As for what they do from there, different matter these days compared to when they first arrived for peacekeeping flights. I can imagine the Reds could use Akrotiri right now if they really wanted to but they don’t want to be told where to go when they moan about not getting their own way. I was once told they never like operating from somewhere where there’s a more “important” unit than them. These days I imagine that’s most places.

Quick question about formation flying. I know that in very simple terms it is a question of "follow the leader" but are there easier slots than others. Would new members find themselves on the outside or tucked away in the middle?

Yellow Tom.
 

Perception is a funny thing. Asking for exclusive use has nothing to do with being precious or snooty. It has everything to do with ensuring the safe conduct of multiple aircraft formation flying.

Some people will always believe the Reds are lodged up their own backsides. If you knew them you'd know it's very much an urban myth.

BV

Oh come on Bob...

I mean I *literally* wet myself every time someone comes on here regurgitating the same tired old "scrap the reds/the reds are boring/unprofessional/scared/snobby/blah,blah".

Lets stick to the myth and never let facts spoil a(nother) pointless, circular reds bashing!

Spot on BV. Unfair rep really which I imagine is quite historic.
They got used to being shuffled about a bit at LCRA during TELIC. Sometimes got a little jip on frequency but always put it down to them working hard during their work up. The team pilots since the 2000s have all been involved in pretty high tempo ops themselves and know the score.

I think it’s more of an infrastructure issue at LCRA as opposed to the airspace. Accommodation etc is at a premium and I doubt the footprint of a full Sqn would be very welcome at the moment.