Imagemap Navigation Bar Home
Gypo '97


Red 6, Flight Lieutenant Tim Couston

In his last season with the Team, Tim, 32, takes over the lead of the synchro pair for 1997 as Red 6. Born in Basingstoke and educated at Cranbourne Bilateral School, Tim was a member of No 443 (Basingstoke) Squadron Air Training Corps. He joined the RAF in 1983 and on completion of his flying training, he was posted to RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, to fly the Buccaneer on No 208 Squadron.

During the Gulf War, Tim flew 14 combat missions into Iraq in support of RAF Tornado bombing missions. Once home again, Tim was selected as 1991 Buccaneer Display Pilot and became an Instructor on the Buccaneer Operational Conversion Unit before being posted to RAF Chivenor as a Weapons Instructor on the Hawk.

Tim is married to Maria and they have one son, Ben. He is keen on swimming and music and enjoys playing the bass guitar.

Red 7, Flight Lieutenant Dave Stobie

Dave, 33, moves into the Red 7 position or Synchro 2, for 1997. In his second year with the Team, Dave was born in Germany, but educated at Bicester Comprehensive School, where he was a member of No 2507 (Bicester) Squadron Air Training Corps. Having been awarded a flying scholarship, Dave left school and joined the RAF in 1983.

After his flying training, Dave was selected as an instructor at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Following this tour, and after further training, Dave was posted to fly the F4 Phantom on No 92 Squadron at RAF Wildenrath, Germany. On return to the United Kingdom, Dave served with the Tactical Weapons Unit at RAF Chivenor, where he became an Examiner and qualified as a Weapons Instructor on the Hawk. He also flew the Hawk display for the 1994 season.

Dave’s interests are photography, windsurfing, squash and swimming.

Red 8, Flight Lieutenant Richie Matthews

Richie, aged 29, is in his third and final season with the Team. For 1997, he is the Red Arrows Executive Officer and flies in the Red 8 position. He was educated at the Norton Knatchbull School, in Ashford, Kent, and was a member of No 305 (Ashford) Squadron Air Training Corps before joining the RAF in 1985.

Prior to joining the Team, Richie flew the Jaguar and amassed over 1,150 hour on type. His first tour was with 41(F) Squadron at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk, in the reconnaissance and attack role. During this tour, Richie took part in NATO exercises over Norway and Canada and also flew from Incirlick, Turkey, on policing missions over Northern Iraq following the Gulf conflict. In 1992, he graduated as a Jaguar Qualified Weapons Instructor which led to a posting to No 16 (Reserve) Squadron, the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland.

Richie is married to Marion and they live at Cranwell with their three year old son, Alistair. Away from flying, Richie follows the fortunes of Norwich City Football Club and, as a cricket fan, supports Kent. Golf is undoubtedly his main pursuit and he is currently holder of the prestigious Red Arrows Blue Jacket!

Red 9, Flight Lieutenant Sean Perrett

Sean, aged 33, is in his third and final season with the Team. For 1997, he flies in the Red 9 position, having previously flown as Red 3 and 5. Sean has a strong aviation background, with both his grandfather and father being military pilots. He was educated at Langley Grammar School in Berkshire before joining the RAF in 1985.

Prior to joining the Team, Sean flew Harriers. His first tour was with No 1(F) Squadron at RAF Wittering, in Cambridgeshire. During this tour, Sean took part in exercises in Norway, the USA and Belize. In 1991 he was posted to RAF Valley to fly the Hawk as a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Tactics Instructor. Sean also served with the Central Flying School’s Hawk Squadron, with responsibility for training the RAF’s Hawk Instructors. He is an Instrument Rating Examiner and Flying Instructor for the Team.

Sean is married to Aimée and they live at Cranwell with their young sons, Fintan and Corey. Away from flying, Sean’s interests include swimming, mountain biking, golf and diving.

[ Display Dates ]
[ The 1997 Red Arrows | Manoeuvres | The Hawk Aircraft ]
[ History | Arrow FAQs | 30 Things! ]
[ ? ]
[ Diaries | Souvenirs | Picture Gallery ]

 

Copyright © 1997, DeltaWeb International Ltd