In December 2018, The Royal Air Force Falcons Parachute Display Team returned from California, USA, after conducting their first winter training for the 2019 display season.
To maximise training opportunities the Team headed to Lake Elsinore, California for three weeks to conduct Exercise Freefall Endeavour, the first of two overseas training programmes the Falcons will endure prior to the next display season.
“Exercise Freefall Endeavour lays the foundations for all the training that will take place during the 2018/2019 season, but more specifically prepares us for Exercise Falcons Stack.
This was my first exercise as Officer Commanding the RAF Falcons and, whilst very busy at times, was thoroughly enjoyable. Aside from working on practical parachuting, this training gives the necessary team building opportunity required to work so closely together for the upcoming season and I am excited to be leading such a professional Team through the rest of winter training and the 2019 season beyond.”
Flight Lieutenant Mikaela Harrison
Officer Commanding The RAF Falcons
The focus of Freefall Endeavour is to conduct canopy handling skills and formation skydiving, performing several parachute jumps each day for three weeks, the Team’s performance was exemplary throughout.
“Winter training is enjoyable but hard and physically demanding work. Constantly striving to try and get the display as close and constant as possible, takes a lot of dedication and concentration. Working together as a Team we are committed to putting on the best display possible at every opportunity.”
Sergeant Chris West
Second Year Falcon
The Falcons will travel to California again in February 2019, for Exercise Falcons Stack, their last period of overseas training. This is when they will focus on perfecting their famous canopy stack, all in preparation for the 2019 display season.
