FLIGHT Lieutenant Jon Egging joined the Red Arrows team this year, aged 33, following a lifelong love of flying.
The former Southampton University student, who had supported troops in Afghanistan, was married to Emma and lived in Rutland.
Growing up in Warwickshire, he was inspired by his airline pilot father from a young age and joined his local 2028 Southam Sqn Air Training Corps at 13.
At school, he earned a RAF Flying Scholarship and later as a member of his university’s Air Squadron received an RAF Bursary to support his Environmental Studies degree.
While there, he completed his Elementary Flying Training on a Bulldog and entered the RAF in 2000.
He was picked for fast jet training, flying the Tucano and Hawk, before becoming a Qualified Flying Instructor.
Serving with IV (AC) Squadron, based at RAF Cottesmore, he flew the Harrier GR9 supporting coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.
He took part in exercises at home and abroad, as well as training missions off the UK coastline.
In his last year with IV, he moved up to become a Squadron Qualified Flying Instructor and teach the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit at Wittering, in April last year.
During their spare time, Lt Egging and his wife enjoyed running and travelling the world.
