The Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team has announced the pilots and schedule for its 2024 season. After a hiatus, the team will make a comeback on the display circuit, much to the delight of aviation enthusiasts across the UK. The 2024 display season will feature both duo and solo displays at various events across the country during the summer months, allowing more people to witness the team's incredible displays.

The Black Cats Helicopter Display Team flies the state-of-the-art Leonardo Wildcat HMA2, which can perform various roles. The team is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton and is made up of highly skilled pilots who have undergone rigorous training to perfect their routine.

The team's return to the display circuit is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their dedication to showcasing the Royal Navy's capabilities and professionalism. It also provides a unique opportunity for the public to see the team in action and learn more about the work done by the Royal Navy.

825 Naval Air Squadron is the primary training unit for Wildcat crews, and the team uses this platform to train and perfect their skills before they are deployed to the frontline unit. The Wildcat can be armed with Sting Ray torpedoes, a 12.7mm calibre M3M cabin-mounted machine gun, and Martlet and Sea Venom missiles providing the Royal Navy with greater firepower when required.

It is an incredibly versatile helicopter that is also capable of fast roping, load lifting, reconnaissance, search and rescue and the delivery of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) to those in need.

Schedule for the 2024 Season

June

• 01st/02nd - English Riviera Airshow, Paignton, Devon

• 09th - RAF Cosford Air Show, Shropshire

• 29th - Armed Forces Day, Plymouth, Devon

July

• 06th/07th - Wales Airshow, Swansea

• 13th/14th - Southport Airshow, Lancashire

• 19th/21st - Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire

August

• 29th/31st - Bournemouth Air Festival, Dorset

September

• 06th/07th - International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight, Ayr, Ayrshire

Lieutenant Scott Sunderland

Lieutenant Scott Sunderland is an accomplished helicopter pilot and a Qualified Helicopter Instructor (QHI) in the Royal Navy. He has a wealth of experience in flying and is currently operating the Wildcat HMA Mk2, with an impressive total of 1600 flying hours.

Lieutenant Sunderland is a highly skilled aviator, passionate about his work, and has an extensive range of flying experience. He has been involved in a wide range of operations including airborne instruction, embarked operations, counter-terrorism, maritime warfare, search and rescue, and display flying.

As a QHI, Lieutenant Sunderland is responsible for conducting flight training for other pilots, ensuring that they are fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge required to become successful helicopter pilots themselves. His expertise and experience in the field make him an exceptional instructor and an invaluable asset to the Royal Navy.

Lieutenant Michael "Viv" Vivian

Lieutenant Michael "Viv" Vivian is a highly skilled helicopter instructor and electronic warfare instructor who plays a vital role in delivering comprehensive training to Royal Navy pilots. His expertise ensures that the pilots receive the necessary training to safely conduct maritime embarked operations across the globe.

As a qualified helicopter pilot, Lieutenant Vivian operates a state-of-the-art, all-weather, small ship helicopter from Royal Navy frigates and destroyers at sea. He has extensive experience as a maritime helicopter pilot, having conducted land and maritime operations in various locations, including the Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Gulf, Oman, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and Pacific Ocean.

Lieutenant Vivian has logged many flight hours and has flown in a variety of challenging environments. He has also been involved in a wide range of operations, including counter-narcotics, counter-piracy, and maritime attack. He has also conducted numerous maritime security operations and provided force protection to individual task elements and larger strike groups.