Red Arrows Kev is on cloud nine

Reporter: by Usma Raja
Date published: 13 May 2009


AN Oldham man is gearing up for a new season in the support team that keeps the famous Red Arrows in the sky.

Sgt Kev Boden (45) is a member of the 85-strong ground crew for the Royal Air Force’s world-renowned aerobatic display team.

The father-of-four from Chadderton, who joined the RAF in 1990, will be the dye team leader for the forthcoming season. This means it’s his job to make sure the diesel and dye used to create the team’s colourful vapour trails are correctly set-up for the numerous air shows.

The Red Arrows are currently putting the finishing touches to this year’s display at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, having set up temporary base on the island to take advantage of its clear skies — ideal conditions to perfect the team’s amazing acrobatics.

At the end of a four-week training package in Cyprus, the Commander-in-Chief of the RAF will visit the team and, if happy with what he sees, will award them their Public Display Authority.

Sgt Boden, a former pupil of North Chadderton Comprehensive, said: “Everyone knows who the Red Arrows are — they are a trademark of the RAF.

“It’s a pretty impressive job to get — the pinnacle of everybody’s career. Being part of the team is the best thing I have ever done!

“My primary role is being a part of the mechanical team working on the airframe and engine.

“The boss wants nine jets for the displays, so it’s our job to make sure he gets that.” The vapour trails are a crucial element of Red Arrows displays. The primary reason to use them is flight safety, allowing the pilots to locate each other.