Red Arrows visit Extra Time Hub

Lincoln City Foundation’s popular Extra Time Hub programme received a flying visit from Red Arrows pilots Sqn Ldr Chris McCann (right) and Flt Lt Dustin Wales.

The pair are positioned four and five in the display team respectively and outlined the application process to become a Red Arrow.

The 2024 season was the 60th of displays and included was recent tour to Canada, which featured flights over Toronto, Niagara Falls and Greenland to mark 100th anniversary of the Canadian Royal Air Force. 

It Flt Lt Wales’ first tour with the RAF’s aerobatics team: “Niagara Falls was a good one, we did a flyover eight or nine times which gave us some good shots.”

Pilots usually spend three to four years with the team and are kept on their toes by moving position in the formation each season to allow two new members to step in and begin training.

The Extra Time Hub at the LNER Stadium runs every Wednesday within the Co-op Community Hub and sessions are designed to increase social interaction and physical activity for over anyone who is retired, semi-retired or approaching retirement.

Flt Wales added: “It’s always nice to get out into the community for events like this, it's not often that we get to do it when we’re flying three times a day.”

Head of healthier communities Alice Carter said of the pilots’ visit: “It’s a really unique opportunity for them (the wider community) and I think it means more, living in Lincoln.

“Getting that insight into what it’s like, is something that uniquely we can offer them and it was a good chance for them to connect a bit more with the city.”

Hubs for the Over 55s are also held at Bracebridge Heath, Skellingthorpe and Bridge Central on Portland Street.

See www.lincolncityfoundation.com