The Hawk T2 training aircraft give new RAF pilots their first experience of jet flying
Ronaldsway Airport had a visit this afternoon by three jet training aircraft.
The Hawk T2 aircraft are based at RAF Valley in North Wales and are used to give new RAF pilots their first experience of jet flying after their earlier training on turboprop aircraft.
The black jets are the newest version of the Hawk T1’s used by the Red Arrows who’ll be back on Island as part of TT 2024 on 7 June.
A spokesperson from RAF Valley says, 'Our trainee pilots get tremendous benefit from being able to use the runway at Ronaldsway and we are particularly delighted there is such keen interest amongst the Manx people in their air force. Today’s visit by the three jets shows again the continuing value of the connection between the Isle of Man and the RAF.
The Hawks diverted to the Isle of Man due to poor weather at RAF Valley which hadn't been forecast. Pilots from RAF Valley frequently hold the Isle of Man as a diversion option, for which the RAF is very grateful.'
Apart from today’s visitors and the upcoming Red arrows display, the Island had a flypast by the latest surveillance aircraft, the P8 Poseidon at Ramsey in May last year and a Spitfire over Douglas Bay as part of the MGP celebrations in August.
The aircraft are part of IV(AC) and XXV(F) Squadron’s based at RAF Valley.
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