The Red Arrows: The Story of Britain’s Iconic Display Team

by David Montenegro

"Occasionally, you and the team come within read of perfection, up there in the rarefied air of the skies. You never know when those moments will come, but it's what you yearn for as a pilot."

The Red Arrows represent the very best speed, agility and precision aerobatic flying in the Royal Air Force, and the people who wear those iconic red flight suits are rigorously selected not just for their flying skills, lightning-fast reflexes and nerves of steel, but for their mental resilience, courage and humility.

Written by the Officer Commanding and former Red 1 Team Leader, Wing Commander David Montenegro, and full of never-before-shared tales from pilots past and present, this thrilling history is both a faithful record and a fascinating account of not only what it takes, but what it means, to be a Red Arrow.

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction, History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 26, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew Morrow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just bear in mind that the author was actually suspended from the Red Arrows. Sky News has actually just put out a special programme called Untouchable: Inside the Red Arrows which is an exposé of some pretty disgusting behaviour. Why the RAF hasn't actually disbanded the whole outfit is baffling. Described as the official history of the Red Arrows, it is very repetitive and actually very boring in places. Probably would be better if an outsider had written it. If you are an aviation geek, then just Google Rafat Display directive for a better insight into the flying details. Otherwise it is more of an exercise in self promotion. I have thrown my copy in the trash.

[Malcolm Kenworthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent insight into the world famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, also known as the Red Arrows. The author r is in an excellent place to delve into the history and workings of the team, having been a team member, team leader, and now Officer Commanding of the squadron. Monty dives into the history and founding of the team, from the origins of aerobatic teams after World War 1, through to the creation of the team using the Folland Gnat. He then discusses the upgrade to the current Hawk T1 aircraft, and includes numerous interviews with current and past members of the team. He also discusses what is involved in the creation of a display, and the preparation for a season. Monty then goes on to discuss some of the world tours, including the team’s tour to China, and the most recent tour of the USA and Canada.

All in all, this is an excellent book, and definitely worth picking up if you are a fan of the Red Arrows.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I hardly ever DNF books but this is my second one, I just couldn't get through it. If I could It would be half a star. I had such high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it isn't really a history of the red arrows and I found it repetitive I think I read the same sentence three different times in three different chapters.
The author has made it less about the history of the red arrows but more about himself which would be fine if it was his story about his time in the red arrows and it was marketed like that but it definitely hardly mentions the history of the red arrows.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful read.
I've had such an interest but lack of knowledge of what the red arrows do and this book really illuminated it all so perfectly.
Excellent recounting, wonderful perspectives from past team members and just an all-around fully encompassing book on how the red arrows came to be and all it entails.
Couldn't recommend it more if you've any interest in aviation and the red arrows.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the best! The dedication and skill required to be in the Red Arrows has to be 100% No less, otherwise those death defying moves can’t be pulled off. This book provides an excellent insight into the workings of the team, from selection, to training, to managing risk and to the manoeuvres. Excellent book.

[Ronald Dunnet · Rating 1 out of 5]

This rag tag assortment of Biggles wannabes should be destined to the dustbin of history. Their sharp reactions are mainly in the trouser department..I can imagine one of the brycreem boys looping the loop in future years, like that clown in the superannuated Hawker Hunter..Chocks away chaps!!! Tally-Ho!

[KJGrieveWriter · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 30 pages in, the phrase "more than a million visitors visited" plainly demonstrates the author's lack of writing ability, and later "each input they put into their controls". That's fine, I'm a writer but could never in a million years be a Red Arrow. So maybe this is a lesson in sticking to what we know.

[Mr David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to agree with some of the comments, a disappointing read and a great deal of repetition. I have total respect for the RA’s but this book fell well below what I was expecting and even considered packing up reading half way through.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big Red Arrow fan, so enjoyed this book. Some parts were a little too in technical depth for me, but overall I enjoyed this. Learnt a lot more about my fav planes.

[Mark Scoynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good insight for what goes on within the team.

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

found thiis book very interseting to read

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting account of the Red Arrows, everything from the beginning of the Acrobatic display team right up to the present day.

Very technical which is a little off putting, or was for me, but overlooking all the technical details, I enjoyed the stories into the behind the scenes workings and discussions of the Red Arrows and how they work and train. Very interesting book.

[RobBram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account of the history of the RAFAT and an interesting insight into the training and character needed to be a member of the team. Somewhat repetitive at times in its relating of the importance of the Red Arrows in promoting Great Britain at home and abroad. Repetition that almost seems to be an apologetic attempt to justify the Red Arrows existence for fear that they may appear to be self indulgent given their draw on the public purse strings. However, a good read.

[Tim Rideout · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more than an official history of the Red Arrows. It’s a treatise on leadership and excellence, on the importance of honesty, integrity and humility.

Much needed in our current times.