RN Helicopter Display Team Black Cats Display and Schedule

The Royal Navy Helicopter Display Team, the Black Cats are now putting the final touches to their preparations before the start of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Air Show season 2012. Rear Admiral Tom Cunningham, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Aviation & Carriers) gave his seal of approval for this year’s routine after witnessing an exhilarating display on a sunny, but windy, day at RNAS Yeovilton.

Lieutenant David Fleming, Black Cat Lead pilot for the 2012 season said,” I hope that this year’s display looks as good from the ground as it does from the aircraft. It is full of dynamic manoeuvres, close formation and dramatic fast-passes – it is a challenging display for us to fly, but it will definitely be one to be seen from the crowd at this year’s air shows.”

Lt Fleming’s piloting of the lead aircraft is mirrored by Lt Ian Brannighan in the “Black 2” aircraft and between them they synchronise the manoeuvring of the aircraft to give the effect of what has been described as an ‘aerial ballet’ which will suddenly speed up to include fast and thrilling close passes and exciting dynamic helicopter formation flying.

The Black Cats are a volunteer helicopter display team who thrill audiences at air shows with their dynamic flying displays in Lynx maritime attack helicopters. The Black Cats have been a popular feature on the air show circuit for the last decade. Originally known as “The Lynx Pair” the ‘Black Cat’ team name derives from the fierce wildcat depicted on 702 Naval Air Squadron’s badge and also the naval slang of “Black Catting” which implies one-upmanship, having done or owned something better than anyone else.

With an enthusiastic team of aircrew and engineers, a thrilling display routine and their now familiar trailer and merchandise, the team are key players on the air show circuit where they promote the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm to the general public. The Black Cat’s parent unit, 702 Naval Air Squadron is based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, inSomerset.

With Admiral Tom’s tick in the box secured, it’s all systems go to meet their first public engagement at the Southend Air Festival over the weekend of 26 – 27 May. Aircraft enthusiasts across the country eagerly await the programme for the season ahead, and it looks to be an exciting programme.

2012 Display Dates:

26 – 27 May   Southend Air Festival

8 Jun               Dawlish Air Show

17 Jun             Cosford Air Show

23 Jun             RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

30 Jun – 1 Jul  RAF Waddington International Air Show

21 – 22 Jul      Sunderland International Air Show

1 Aug             Weymouth Bay Festival

25 – 26 Aug   Chris Evans’ C4RF35T

29 – 30 Aug   Dartmouth Royal Regatta

30 Aug – 2 Sep  Bournemouth Air Festival

8 – 9 Sep        Southport Air Show

12 – 14 Sep    Guernsey and Jersey Air Shows

14 Oct            Duxford Autumn Air Show