Si joined the RAF in 2003 after studying Human Factors at University. After Officer training he completed Elementary Flying training at RAF Woodvale on the Grob Tutor 115. Selected for the Fast Jet stream, he flew the Tucano T1 at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and then the Hawk T1 at RAF Valley. In 2007 Si was nominated to complete his Tactical Weapons Training on the Hawk CF115 at the NATO Flying Training School at Cold Lake AFB, Alberta, Canada. Returning to the UK in 2008, Si was selected to fly the Tornado GR4 and posted to II(AC) Squadron at RAF Marham. During an extremely busy 3-year period he deployed with the Squadron twice on operations as well as taking part in numerous exercises around the world.
In 2012 Si was chosen from a group of his peers to fly the Typhoon FGR4. He was posted to 3 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Coningsby where he was part of Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) – the defence of UK Sovereign Airspace. He also took part in several multinational exercises in Europe and the Middle East with deployments to the Falkland Islands. He later went on to become an instructor on the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). This involved instructing the new students not just how to fly the aircraft but also ‘fight’ it, teaching air combat and weapons employment.
In 2015 Si was lucky enough to join the Red Arrows. His first year as Red 3 in 2016 involved a historic tour to India and China (including flying the jets there and back!). In 2017 Si was privileged to be selected as Red 7 and part of the ‘Synchro Pair’ during a tour of the Gulf region. The following year Si was Red 6 and ‘Synchro Leader’ during the milestone 100-year anniversary of the RAF. In 2018 the team conducted a significant amount of high profile displays and flypasts in what proved a momentous year.
Si left the Royal Air Force in 2019 after 16 years and joined TUI Airways. He is currently enjoying flying the Boeing 737NG from Gatwick Airport to resorts around Europe. In his spare-time he is keen to get back to flying instruction and looks forward to teaching a spirited brand of aerobatics and formation flying.
