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The Kennels

Silver Wings, Red Arrows: The Story of an RAF Commanding Officer

Member exclusive
15th May 2025

Join pilot Ian “Smithy” Smith for an exclusive evening talk, where he will share stories from his impressive career as an RAF Commanding Officer to his flight around the world in a silver Spitfire.

£130 per person

Silver Wings, Red Arrows: The Story of an RAF Commanding Officer

£130 per person

Join pilot Ian “Smithy” Smith for an exclusive evening talk, where he will share stories from his impressive career as an RAF Commanding Officer to his flight around the world in a silver Spitfire.

  • The Kennels

Overview

Begin your evening with a welcome drink in The Kennels before taking your seats and hearing Ian "Smithy" Smith give his inspiring talk about his impressive international flying career. After his talk, you will be invited for a Q&A before your three-course dinner.

 

About Ian "Smithy" Smith:

Ian Smith joined the RAF as a pilot at the age of 17 in 1983. After training, he was posted to RAF Gutersloh, Germany, flying Chinook helicopters, with deployments to Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

In the early 90’s, he served as a Qualified Flying Instructor in Yorkshire before transitioning to the Jaguar at RF Coltishall, Norfolk, participating in operations in Yugoslavia and Iraq. Over 13 years in Norfolk, he took a three-year stint flying Hawks with the Red Arrows.

In 2007, at RAF Coningsby, he began flying with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, commanding it from 2010 to 2013. After 30 years in the RAF, he joined the Blades Aerobatics Team and flew for Eastern Airways and private Spitfire operations. A return to instructing Typhoon pilots followed, before leading the 2019 global circumnavigation of the ‘Silver Spitfire.’

Semi-retiring in 2022, Smith continues to fly Spitfires and Hurricanes in the civil sector.