ASI Newark Hosts Talk From Red Arrows Pilot Ollie Suckling

Air displays, flybys and international travel were just some of the topics covered as the Air & Space Institute in Newark hosted Flight Lieutenant Ollie Suckling, otherwise known as Red 9 from the Red Arrows this week. 

Talking to around 200 students, Ollie gave an overview of the recent activity that the RAF display team have been involved with, including a recent visit to Canada to perform with the Canadian Air Force team, the Snowbirds. 

Ollie also gave students an insight into how he was selected for the Red Arrows, he said: “As well as always wanting to be a Red Arrow from growing up, I knew I had to get experience. I was a member of the Air Cadets at school but at university I found the University Air Squadron really made me come out of my shell.” 

Joining the RAF in 2007, Ollie completed basic fast jet training on the Tucano before moving to RAF Valley to complete advanced flying training on the Hawk T1.  

Ollie was then selected to fly the Tornado GR4 and on completion of the Operational Conversion Unit was posted to 31 Squadron at RAF Marham. 

During his time on the Tornado, Ollie completed multiple tours, including in Afghanistan, and deployed in support of Coalition operations as well as multinational exercises worldwide. In 2017 he was posted to XXV(F) Squadron at RAF Valley as a qualified flying instructor, teaching future fast-jet pilots the skills required to progress to the frontline. 

In 2021, Ollie moved back to RAF Marham to undertake a ground role in the F35 Integrated Training Centre. Ollie joined the Red Arrows for the 2023 season. 

As well as running through this history, Ollie gave students an idea of how Red Arrows are selected, including the rigourous tests and interview processes every member of the team has to complete. 

Ollie also added: “One of the reasons we come and speak to learners is to really emphasise the importance of STEM subjects. Knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths really does serve you well in a career in the air force and the variety of opportunities available really is unmatched.”  

Head of Newark Campuses, Penny Taylor MBE, said: “We have had several of the Red Arrows come to speak to our learners in the past but it always impresses on students just what is possible when it comes to a career in the industry. It also shows the level of dedication needed from the start so I’m sure many present today will take this as inspirational. Ollie fielded many intelligent questions from the audience today and I was impressed with how engaged they were, it clearly shows the value of our enrichment programme here at the ASI in Newark.” 

Ollie followed his talk with a tour of the ASI’s facilities, including the workshops, converted A320 Neo training aircraft and flying simulators.