Squadron Leader Martin Higgins

Martin flew the Tornado F3 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.

Age - 40

Education - Martin studied at Colston’s School in Bristol, before studying for a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautic at Southampton University. He was awarded an RAF bursary and joined Southampton University Air Squadron. More recently, he is hoping to complete a distance-learning MSc in Science by next year.

Career - Joined the Royal Air Force in 1993. Following flying training Martin became a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) for three years on the HawkT1 at Royal Air Force Valley. He then completed weapons training on 74(F) Squadron and was posted to the Tornado F3 on 43(F) Squadron at Royal Air Force Leuchars. During his three years on this Squadron, Martin completed two operational tours in Iraq and took part in exercises in Canada and Belgium as well as continuing his role as a front line QFI. Martin was then selected to be a Red Arrows team member from 2004 to 2007, initially as Red 3 and then as Red 9 for his remaining time on the Team. Subsequently, he was posted to 111(F) Sqn to fly the Tornado F3, culminating in a 4-month tour in the Falkland Islands as Officer Commanding 1435 Flt. Martin has just completed a 2-year staff tour at Air Command as a Joint Combat Aircraft desk officer.

Background - Martin was born in Bristol. In his spare time he enjoys running, rowing and road biking but also tries to maintain skills in scuba diving when he gets the opportunity to go somewhere warm.