Airforces

Display pilot interview

42 // FEBRUARY 2018 #359 http://www.airforcesmonthly.com

recorded on video from the control tower.”

There are actually two routines that are

designed for the year – the high or full display,

and the flat (bad weather) display. The

former requires a 3,500ft cloud ceiling, but

the flat only needs a 1,000ft cloud base.

This training is all conducted under the

watchful eye of the Commander Flying

Group, who remains ultimately responsible

for the F-16 team. Two coaches, plus a pair

of former F-16 display pilots, are also closely

involved. As the training progresses, the

aesthetic aspect of the show comes into

play and the coaches in the tower bring in

a public perception as things are refined.

“The routine is changed every year – actually

by the time it is approved, you will already

want to make adjustments as you really only

get into the routine by now. Those ideas

are mostly kept for the next season, but as

you see videos on the internet you’ll notice

things that you want to customise.” It’s also

about keeping things fresh and new. Gizmo

added: “There are some shows, such as

Sanicole, which we do annually and you don’t

want to show the same thing every year.”

With work-up training completed, the F-16

demo team must perform an acceptance flight

in front of the Aviation Safety Directorate. It

kicks off with a full pre-flight briefing to discuss

the routines and particular ‘what if’ scenarios,

with rigorous questioning from the specialists.

With the flights complete, the Air Component

Commander or Chief of Staff will decide if the

display is cleared for the public audience.

A day in the life

Being the F-16 demo pilot is a demanding

undertaking for the pilot and the support crew.

Gizmo elaborated: “You must count on being

abroad every other weekend from May until

October. You can take a day off on Tuesday,

but you must also compensate for work that

doesn’t get done while away. What people

don’t see is that you’re also busy in between

Above: Three members of the 2017 Belgian Air Component F-16 demonstration team. Display pilot Tom

‘Gizmo’ De Moortel flanked by team chief ‘Dirk’ (left) and crew chief ‘Hans’.