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Falcons

Becoming a Falcon

RAF Falcons

First there’s the initial basic fitness test that all new RAF recruits take at 17 or under. Males need to be able to run 1.5 miles (2.4 km) in 12.36 minutes or less. Females must cover the same distance in 14.58 minutes or less.

Think you can take that in your stride? So what next if you want to become a Falcon?



You then need to become a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) or a Physical Education Officer, as well as a qualified parachute instructor.

Now the hard work starts

“As PTIs, the guys are all extremely fit anyway, but being a Falcon is physically very hard work,” explains Flight Lieutenant Rich Pike.

Each member serves two or three years with the team and they take on roughly one new parachutist each year.

During displays the Falcons fly into precise positions in their formations while travelling at vertical speeds of up to 180 mph and horizontal speeds of up to 80 mph, then land in a space as small as 50 square metres. Upper body strength is important to control the parachutes, especially for lighter members.

“In display training in California for instance, we do about eight jumps a day, six days a week for four weeks. If you want to imagine what it feels like, try doing chin ups for three minutes straight – that’s one jump,” Flight Lieutenant Rich Pike explains.

During their time as Falcons, each member will also train as High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) military freefall instructors.

Passing on the knowledge

As specialists, Falcons go on to train Pathfinders, the SAS, 16 Air Assault Brigade and others in jumping from 25,000 feet at night wearing breathing equipment and carrying full kit.

Some memorable experiences

For Rich Pike HALO jumps are always pretty exciting but one of the most memorable jumps he’s ever done was into San Diego’s American Football stadium at night, with 80,000 people cheering the Falcons on as they landed.

If you want more information about the team, log onto www.raf.mod.uk/falcons

Fitness tips

• Take part in a sport you enjoy.
• Go for a half hour jog two or three times a week.
• Do another session of low impact training like cycling, swimming or rowing.