Executive Officer

Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Stewart

Kirsty flew the Tornado GR4 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.

Age - 34

Education - Kirsty attended Stamford High School in Lincolnshire, before studying for her Masters in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London. She joined the London University Air Squadron and was awarded a final year cadetship from the Royal Air Force.

Career - Joined the Royal Air Force in 1998. Following flying training Kirsty became a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) for three years on the HawkT1 at Royal Air Force Valley. She then completed weapons training on 19 (F) Squadron and was posted to the Tornado GR4. On completion of the Operational Conversion Unit at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, she was posted to XIII Squadron at Royal Air Force Marham. During her three years on this Squadron, Kirsty completed two operational tours in Iraq as part of Operation TELIC – flying up to eight hour missions in support of the British, American and Iraqi ground forces. She also took part in exercises in America, Canada and Germany as well as continuing her role as a front line QFI. This is her third year with the Red Arrows.

Background - Kirsty was born at Royal Air Force Nocton Hall, Lincolnshire, and grew up in nearby Coleby. Kirsty’s desire to join the Royal Air Force grew from spending some of her school holidays with her father on 27 Squadron at

Royal Air Force Marham, where she enjoyed the experience of watching the aircrew planning and flying their sorties and the camaraderie on the Squadron. Kirsty enjoys spending her spare time in the hills mountain biking, walking, running, climbing or canoeing. She can also be found riding her motorbike or relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book.