How formation flying works

The Red Arrows are the Royal Air Force's aerobatic display team - the best in the world. They fly Hawk T1 jets, powering through the sky at hundreds of miles per hour, pulling high-G maneuvers with just a few metres between their wingtips. Here's how they do it: and part of it's a skill that you probably already know.

(you can find contact details and social links there too)

[lforlight]

I wonder what's it like being Tom Scott.

[EastyyBlogspot]

Finally the planes now match the shirts you wear :)

[epiendless]

"Turn .. Right .. Now."
"Your .. Other .. Right."

[Spirit]

The pilots seem to be really humble and open about what they do, eager to explain. Good guys.

[TomScottGo]

This was going to be Monday's video, but it's going up early because... well, I wasn't waiting any longer to show this off to the world! Do have a look at the links in the description, too: Starrship's a big STEM outreach project that the RAF and Rolls-Royce are working on, and there may well be more collaborations in future. As a heads up, this isn't a sponsored video (no money changed hands, the RAF don't have editorial control), but, well, given I got to fly with the Red Arrows, there's a reason I left the Rolls-Royce engine mention in there!

[tempname]

Next episode: How Spacecraft Docking Works (feat. the NASA!)
* Tom casually explains clamping mechanism while approaching ISS, seen from illuminator *

[AlecSteele]

UNREAL! What an incredible opportunity to experience this! Fantastic video!!

[catfish]

It's only a question of time until Tom speaks to us from space.

[win]

Teasmade, and now the RAF. What a true Brit you are

[KillerSpud]

Now I'm waiting for the park bench where Matt swears at Tom because he is a lucky Git for getting to do this.

[martinschurig]

I can't wait for the park bench episode with a very jealous Matt.^^

[michelgardes]

You know what's great about your videos? It's that while most of YouTubers would have used such an opportunity - flying with the Red Arrows - to show off and come up with awesome images but no content, you actually find a way to teach us something in less than 4 minutes while remaining humble as usual and delivering genuine excitement on top of that. Your channel is a gem in the darkness of the world wide web. Thank you very much for your work.

[BreakfastBurrito]

The <insert your country's aerobatic team> would like a word with you

[Wordsnwood]

My condolences to Matt... At least I know *I'd* be jealous if it was my friend doing this! ;-)

[kushine_]

One video he's telling us how a small difference in electrical frequency is affecting a tea-clock hybrid, another video he's flying way up in the sky doing tricks with one of the best pilots there is

[singalongwithtom]

Well done Tom, you've basically become Blue Peter for adults, I love that.

[nuppusaurus]

"flying at hundreds miles per hour, just meters apart from each other"
When you just can't decide which system to use

[paulgarcia]

Do one on the international space station next

[MacDiggity]

Oh look, it's finally sunny in Britain (above the clouds) :-)

[VivienneGucwa]

I do believe your life is just way too awesome - I mean....come on....