“Follow your dreams.”
Former Trent Pupil Returns as Red 2
Earlier this summer, Trent College welcomed back former pupil Flight Lieutenant Rob Thomas, who has recently been selected to join the RAF Red Arrows as Red 2. He returned to present awards to this year’s cadets of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and to speak about his journey through the RAF, a journey that began at this school.
Rob’s interest in aviation was sparked during his time at Trent, where he was a member of the CCF. That early exposure to flying made a lasting impression.
Now, nearly two decades later, Rob is flying with the Red Arrows, performing displays across the UK and Europe at speeds of up to 400mph, often just feet from the nearest aircraft!
“We flew over Glastonbury Festival, whilst Pulp were on stage!”
The Making of a Red Arrow
Born in Mansfield and educated at Trent College (class of 2001), Rob’s passion for aviation took flight early. After school, he went on to study aeronautical engineering at Loughborough University, where he also joined the East Midlands Universities Air Squadron. Alongside his academic pursuits, he played semi-professional rugby for Leicester Lions and became a qualified Joint Service Ski Instructor.
Rob joined the Royal Air Force in 2006 and was selected for fast-jet training. Recognised for his excellence, he became a “Creamie”, a pilot selected to be a flying instructor on the Hawk T1 due to outstanding performance.
His career progressed with postings to RAF Coningsby, flying the Typhoon FGR4 with 3(F) Squadron, where he took part in multiple operations including Quick Reaction Alert duties in the UK and the Falklands. He later instructed at 29(R) Squadron and worked with BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia, helping train future pilots on the Hawk T165.
After further deployments across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, Rob applied to join the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, a highly competitive and prestigious role. Now in his first season as Red 2, Rob represents the UK in displays across the world.
Back Where It All Began: Returning to Trent
Back at Trent College, Rob took time to present the annual CCF awards, recognising cadets for their commitment, leadership, and contribution throughout the year.
Award winners included:
- Hukam (Year 10) – recipient of the Trident Cup, awarded to the best cadet in Year 10.
- Millie (Year 9) – inaugural winner of the Gale Trophy, named in honour of much-respected teacher and long-serving CCF staff member, Julie Gale.
- Charlie (Year 10) – recognised for outstanding effort.
- Warrant Officer Morganne (Year 13) and Sgt Kareena (Year 13) – awarded for their continued excellence and dedication.
- Sgt Darsh (Year 12) – celebrated for leadership and commitment; he will return in September as Head of School, following in Sgt Kareena’s footsteps.
It was a proud moment and made even more special by having an Old Trident and real-life Red Arrow in attendance.
Inside the Red Arrows: Life as Red 2
What’s it really like to be a Red Arrows pilot? Rob walked cadets through a typical day on display:
- 08:00 – Pre-flight briefing
- Mid-morning – Take to the skies for a 23-minute performance
- Post-flight – An intense debrief reviewing every moment of the display
- Key Value – “Owning up to mistakes is critical. That’s how we learn and improve.”
Rob described the demanding training period, running from September to June, during which pilots fly three times a day before earning their iconic red suits.
Cadets in the Cockpit: Q&A With Red 2
After the awards ceremony, cadets had the chance to ask Rob some questions. Here’s a snapshot:
Q: Do you get much neck pain doing the aerobatics? A: The force is 9G, so pilots need to keep strong. A lot of strength training. Most of the team are very experienced.
Q: Do many women fly? A: Yes. I’ve worked with incredible female fighter pilots. I hope the next Officer in Command is a woman.
Q: What happens if a Red Arrow is sick? A: There are no reserves. We fly with 8. The team always flies in their trained positions; there’s no margin for error.
Pilot’s Perspective
Rob left cadets with some advice:
“To be a Red Arrows pilot, you need determination, time, and experience.”
“Failure makes you stronger.”
“Follow your dreams.”
A Role Model in Red
Rob’s return reminded us of the power of aspiration. From Trent College to global air shows, his story embodies what it means to lead with excellence and purpose.
For our cadets, and indeed all our pupils, Rob has shown that the sky isn’t the limit, it’s just the beginning.
