The longest serving Red Arrow pilot Squadron Leader Mike Ling MBE gave BAF Patrons an amazing insight into his flying career both in the RAF and now as an aerobatic pilot with The Blades display team.
Discussing the highs and lows of his career, Mike demonstrated some of the global flying expeditions he has undertaken as well as many of the world-class flying displays that give the Reds their worldwide reputation.
As expected in such a high risk role, Lingy has had a few ‘scrapes’ over the years, including a collision in 2010 which nearly cost him his life. During a training exercise at the Kastellie Military Airport in Crete there was a clip of wings with another Hawk jet at speeds of 500mph. Just 1,000ft off the ground Ling was forced to instantly eject in his seat and parachute to the ground while his out of control £5million jet plunged and exploded into a ball of flame. Thankfully, the pilot of the second plane, Flt Lt Dave Montenegro, landed safely. Mike Ling sustained injuries which left him in a wheelchair, but with his usual humour and courage he returned to the squadron at the earliest time possible determined to resume his flying career, which of course he accomplished.
Over his career there have been too many stand out moments to pick a top experience, but with those experiences including flying as the synchro pair, flying around New York Harbour and the Statue of Liberty, zooming across the stadium for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, plus many display for HM the Queen… Lingy loves the time he raced his jet against Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton in his racing car.
Speaking about the Bournemouth Air Festival and other flying displays, Lingy said he hoped he could inspire youngsters to consider a flying career, having himself been inspired by watching the displays at Biggin Hill as a young child.
Those with a brave enough constitution can now fly as passenger in a display plane, with Lingy or one of his team piloting the craft through a range of display maneuvers as daring as you can withstand. To find out more about flying with the Blades visit https://theblades.com/
(picture caption) Pilot Mike ‘Lingy’ Ling with David Bailey and Julie-Anne Houldey from BAF Patrons Club.
