Not too long ago.
Quote:
Squadron Leader Al Pinner MBE
joined the RAF in 1983 as a University Cadet whilst at Kings College London. He started formal flying training in 1987 and since then he has never been employed outside the cockpit. With some 3800 flying hours he has just completed his 5th consecutive flying tour on single seat Fast Jet aircraft. As a Harrier pilot he has served with Nos 1, IV and 20 Squadrons as a squadron pilot, Qualified Weapons Instructor, Flight Commander and Qualified Flying Instructor. In 1996, Al was posted to Quebec, Canada, on exchange, flying the CF18 Hornet. He has flown more than 100 operational missions over the Balkans and Iraq in the Harrier and the CF18, in the roles of reconnaissance, close air support, air interdiction and air defence. This is Al’s 4th display season with the BBMF and his first as the Officer Commanding.
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Squadron Leader Clive Rowley MBE
has been employed continuously on flying duties since commencing his RAF pilot training in 1971 he has never had a ground tour and his total flying is well over 7000 hours. He has completed several operational tours on Lightnings and on Tornado F3s, which he flew for 16 years up to 2003, amassing over 3000 hours on type. As a Qualified Flying Instructor, he has instructed on Bulldogs, Hawks, Lightnings and Tornado F3s. This is Clive’s eleventh display season with the BBMF since joining the Flight as a Fighter Pilot in 1996. Now with over 500 flying hours on the BBMF’s Spitfires and Hurricanes he was previously the Officer Commanding the BBMF for two years from 2004 but, having reached his normal retirement point in January 2006, he has now become a Full Time Reservist, retaining the role of BBMF ‘Fighter Leader’ and Chipmunk QFI, allowing the BBMF to continue making use of his considerable experience.
Source:
Deltaweb BBMF Site