The Royal Air Force Red Arrows stepped away from the tarmac Thursday, July 24, to mentor young aviators from the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh’s Quest program before performing their full display routine that afternoon. It was a different kind of mission—one focused on community rather than the headline-grabbing aerial displays that have defined their visit to EAA AirVenture.
The mentorship session came during the opening days of the world’s largest aviation gathering. It also revealed something deeper about Operation Eagle Hawk, the RAF’s name for the deployment: the Red Arrows’ first North American tour since 2019 involves far more than seven-ship formation displays. The team arrived at Wittman Regional Airport on July 22, and the strategy extends well beyond what spectators see in the sky.
Quest serves children ages 9–11. On Thursday, these young aviators got face-to-face time with the pilots and support staff of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. They asked about military aviation, formation flying, and what it takes to become a fast-jet pilot. EAA and the RAF built this kind of direct mentorship into the tour schedule from the start.
“It’s about exposing people to aviation, inspiring people to participate and become part of it,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of Communities and Member Relations. “Somewhere there’s kids and families out there that are being inspired to say, ‘Hey, this is cool. This might be something I might want to engage in and be part of.'”
Precision Flying at Oshkosh
The Red Arrows performed their full display routine on Thursday, July 24—the opening day of the afternoon air show schedule. Wing Commander Sasha Nash led the team through their seven-ship formation across all 2026 U.S. tour dates. There was one exception: the NYC International Aerial Review on July 4, when they flew the full nine-aircraft complement over Manhattan.
The aircraft they fly—British-built BAE Systems Hawk T.1 advanced trainers—has been the Red Arrows’ mount since 1979. But these jets have a limitation: no in-flight refueling capability. That constraint forced a different kind of crossing. Instead of a direct transatlantic dash, the team island-hopped through Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. The logistics reveal something about how the Red Arrows operate. Operational discipline runs through every decision—from flight planning to public engagement.
Wednesday brought a non-aerobatic pass over the airfield, a courtesy to the crowd and the field. Full performances followed Thursday through Saturday. A second night show runs Saturday, July 26, at 8 p.m.—a rare chance to watch the team’s precision formations under spotlights.
Operation Eagle Hawk Context
This marks the Red Arrows’ first U.S. visit in seven years. It’s also their inaugural appearance at AirVenture during the event’s 73rd year. The tour began in late June after stops in Maryland, New York, Maine, and Michigan. The RAF announced it formally in May as part of America250 commemorations—marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Squadron Leader Stuart Roberts serves as Red 10 for 2026, a role that carries public affairs and commentary duties. These responsibilities became especially visible during ground events like Thursday’s youth mentorship. The “Circus”—as the Red Arrows’ support staff are affectionately known—also took part in AirVenture traditions. They participated in the Discover Oshkosh postcard program, which invites attendees to write free postcards home.
“The whole Red Arrows team are greatly looking forward to visiting the United States,” said Wing Commander Sasha Nash. “The tour is a fantastic opportunity to display the best of British, at significant events and occasions marking the 250th anniversary, alongside friends, allies and international counterparts.”
AirVenture runs through July 26. Oshkosh marks the end of the Red Arrows’ North American tour—their last performances before returning to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
Sources
- EAA AirVenture News & Multimedia
- EAA Inspire Blog
- Royal Air Force Official Press Releases — Operation Eagle Hawk
- Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh — Quest Program Documentation
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