RAF man Robert is right on target

Senior Aircraftman Robert Thatcher, of Worksop, will be spending next summer flying with the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows, as part of their back-seat support crew.

Robert, 27, will be one of a ten-strong team of engineers known as ‘Circus’, and has been assigned to a specific aircraft and pilot throughout the 2013 display season.

He will travel as a passenger in one of the Red Arrows’ two-seat Hawk aircraft in transit flights to over 70 display venues throughout the UK and Europe - flying at speeds of more than 350mph.

Once his aircraft arrives at the display’s operating base, Robert will be responsible for servicing the aircraft before it can fly again.

As Circus 2 Robert has been paired with Red 2, Flight Lieutenant Olly Parr.

Senior Aircraftman Robert Thatcher said: “I am ecstatic about fulfilling a childhood dream of being a part of the world famous ‘Red Arrows’, and am looking forward to being part of Circus during 2013, travelling with the Team to all the displays throughout the country and Europe,” he said.

After joing the RAF in 2002, Robert was posted to XV (Reserve) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth to work on the Tornado GR4 aircraft in 2004.

He joined the Red Arrows in November 2011 and lives with fiancée Sandra and their 16-month old daughter Charlie.

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