Royal Air Force Red Arrows team pilot welcomed to Slough school

Pupils at a school in Slough welcomed an aerobatic pilot from the Royal Air Force Red Arrows team last week.

Squadron leader Graeme Muscat visited pupils and staff at St Bernard’s Preparatory School in Hawtrey Close on Friday, November 17 and told youngsters about his journey in becoming an aerobatic pilot.

Giving a presentation to pupils, Graeme shared his story, having been inspired from a young age to be a pilot and joining the air cadets at 16.

He later joined the Royal Air Force in 1995 as a communications analyst, but always had a desire to fly.

After becoming aircrew, utilising his linguistics training in Farsi and Russian, Graeme fulfilled his dream and was chosen for pilot training in 2004.

During the presentation, Graeme described to pupils how he flew fighter jets and was in active combat.

After completing the required 1,500 flying hours, a tour of operational flying and being assessed as being above average in his flying role, Graeme applied to join the Red Arrows, where he is currently as Red10.

In response to being asked what his most memorable event with the Red Arrows was to date, Graeme said it was flying as part of the flypast in London for the Platinum Jubilee and The King’s Coronation.

Pupils asked Graeme a host of questions during his visit, including how environmentally friendly the Red Arrows were and if he was able to take off his mask to eat when flying at such speeds.

Following the presentation, Graeme was invited to judge a competition in which pupils had to design a paper aeroplane that could fly the furthest.

Graeme judged the paper aeroplanes based on how far they flew, and pupils also presented tailfin designs to mark the 60th anniversary of the Red Arrows, which will take place next year.

Headteacher Asha Verma, said: “Graeme's visit helped us show our children how determination and hard work can help you achieve your goals.

“It was a joy to see our children so engaged and curious and a privilege to hear about Graeme's amazing journey to becoming a Red Arrow.

“We are extremely grateful that he took time out of his busy schedule to help inspire the next generation.”