„NOBLE“ German Typhoon Display Pilot
First of all thank you very much for your time, please introduce yourself to us, and tell us about your pilot career in the German Air Force.
My name is „NOBLE“ I am the Solo Flying Display Pilot for the GAF for the season 2022/2023. I started my military career as an aircraft mechanic on the fighter-bomber “Tornado”. After passing the initial flying phases to become a pilot, I completed my pilot training in Arizona and earned my wings during the Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training in Texas. Followed by that I completed my training on the Typhoon. My home base is the TacticalAirWing 74 in Neuburg / Donau, which is located in the southern part of Germany. It is home to the Bavarian Tigers, a proud member of the NTA.
Let's talk about your aircraft now, what's the Typhoon like to fly? Is it a good display aircraft?
The Typhoon is really easy to fly because you have a lot of electrical systems, that help you. The point is, that nowadays the pilot is more of a system data manager because you have to collect and process all the info you get from various systems in your displays. That workload can only be done, by having an easy to fly airplane.
Yes, no doubt about that. The 2x90 Kilonewton strong EJ200-engines in combination with a light airframe give the pilot more than enough power to be safe and to show the spectators the possibilities, of what can be done with an unstable designed aircraft.
When do you start your display training, and how often do you practice before the airshow season?
Before the start of flying, a simulator phase has to be done, which is carried out with a check simulator by the standardizer of the wing. This is followed by flight training, which is divided into a phase in a training area and at the home airfield. The final flight is approved by the wing commander. Before each airshow, a minimum of two practice rides is required.
How does someone become the Typhoon Display pilot? Is there a selection?
The selection to become the display pilot is done by the leadership and the flight instructors of the Tactical Air Wing. Several requirements must be met, such as 500 hours of flight on the type and a thorough character check, that the selected pilots perform all displays safe and sound. Finally, the decision comes through the commander of the wing.
Could you tell us something about your display routine? What can we expect from your display this season? What display manoeuvre do you enjoy flying the most and which is the most difficult to get right?
The display routine starts in the morning with a good breakfast and coffee. The preparation is always the same, having a close look at the environment (weather, airfield, NOTAMS, BIRDTAMS, etc.), getting the data for the jet ready and then do some „chair flying“ to get ready for the flight. This season’s flying display features many manoeuvres that highlight the power of the Eurofighter. Over-the-top manoeuvres as well as slow flight and extreme G-forces show the flexibility of the aircraft. The most enjoyable manoeuvre is the tilted Loop, right out of the slow flight. The reason is, that you are close to the stall speed and still are able to accelerate close to a vertical flight path.
What's your schedule for this year? Where can we see you perform? Any airshow you're looking forward to the most?
Besides the local flights in Neuburg, the plan for this year, as a minimum, is the Antidotum Airshow in Poland, as well as the ILA in Berlin. Possibly there will be a display during the exercise of the TAW 74 in Australia.
I am looking forward to all future airshows because due to covid time, a lot of airshows didn’t happen.
Besides you as the demo pilot how many people is there in the team?
My team consists of two maintenance mechanics and one QSM (Quality safety manager). They are highly experienced in their jobs and of course really happy to meet you at the different airshows.
What has been your most memorable moment flying the Typhoon?
The first solo flight! Getting the confidence of an instructor to send you all alone on a 100 Mio € + jet is insane.
When not flying at airshows what does your day look like?
Since I continue to be assigned as a squadron pilot, my day is like the one of a squadron pilot. Starting with the morning briefing, I either go fly a mission, a simulator or study books and tactics. In addition, I am assigned as a flight safety officer or am responsible for leading the flight duty business. So there aren’t big changes, except for a short time you are allowed to have a lot of fun with your aircraft ;-).
What advice would you have for someone who after watching your display wants to become a fighter pilot?
My most important recommendation is that you should never give up and that there are always ways to reach your goal. If this is your dream, meet your career officer and join the forces.
Thank you very much for your time! Any final words to our readers?
Have fun on the upcoming airshows with our team, enjoy the jet noise and stay safe!
