2012 Tucano Display Manager

Flt Lt Rich Keeling, 38, is a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Tucano TMk1 serving with 72(R) Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Rich studied at De Montfort University Leicester before joining the RAF in 1995. He proceeded through the fast jet stream culminating in the Hawk T1 before being re-selected to fly multi-engine aircraft whilst on the tactical training Sqn 74 Sqn at RAF Valley. After finishing training, Rich was posted to the RAF Hercules K Model.

Whilst serving with LXX Sqn at RAF Lyneham, Rich flew Operational sorties over Iraq and the Falkland Islands and was one of the first crews to fly in support of Op Veritas over Afghanistan. In addition he took part in major exercises in Oman, South Africa, Tanzania and the USA.

In 2004 Rich was selected for instructional duties flying the Tucano TMk1 on 207(R) Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. After a successful tour instructing Basic Fast Jet Training pilots, he was posted to Central Flying School (Tucano) where he instructs new Tucano instructors returning to the aircraft after various flying or ground tours in the RAF.

Rich is a keen sportsman with mountain biking, cricket, squash and rugby being the main ways that he keeps fit.