We are based in Ayrshire. Our lineup is fronted by The Cossack Display Team which perform formation aerobatics with two YAK 52 aircraft and has been appearing throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland since 2008, at events ranging from garden fetes to RAF Leuchars International Airshow. We are proud to include the Caledonian Chipmonk, another formation aerobatics team that has displayed two DHC Chipmunks since 2004. We can also arrange solo displays by aircraft ranging from the tiny Luton Minor to the ultimate performers, the Pitts Special and the Spitfire.
Our Pilots have more than 27,000 flying hours experience between them and are authorised by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority to conduct formation and aerobatic air displays at low level.
We can organise and manage your aerial event from start to finish, whether it is to entertain a private garden party or a large public gathering. We have a range of aircraft at our disposal in addition to our own teams to ensure that you get the right aircraft for your event.
Our organised display calendar for 2009 has been completed, but all of out assets are available on request via our Contact Form.
Dates for 2010 will appear here as they arise.
MEET THE TEAM
All our team members come from a wide range of backgrounds which makes us a very experienced and versatile company ready for any challenge. We take challenges in our stride with ease.
ADAM FERGUSSON
ADAM FERGUSSON is a founder member of the Team and has a wealth of flying and training experience. He learnt to fly in 1982 on the Bulldog with his University Air Squadron; he went on to serve in the Army Air Corps where his duties included flying instruction and leading the 1994 Blue Eagles Army Helicopter Display Team. Since 2001 he has been a commercial pilot flying Boeing 757s and 767s, and in 2008 started displaying the Yak 52 as a member of The Cossacks.
DECLAN CURTIS
DECLAN CURTIS is another Yak 52 display pilot and Cossack; he is head of training and engineering matters on the Team. Having started his aviation career as an aircraft engineer he is now a commercial pilot, instructing and examining on the Boeing 737. He started display flying in 2004 with The Caledonian Chipmunks and has been a busy participant on the display circuit in a variety of aircraft ever since. Declan runs the Team’s training regime, with which he passes on his extensive knowledge and experience to the others.
DAVE FRIEL
DAVE FREIL is another member of the Team who can trace his display flying roots back to the Caledonian Chipmunks. 2010 is his first season displaying the Yak 52. Dave’s flying career shares elements of Adam’s and Declan’s: he learnt to fly with a University Air Squadron on the Bulldog and is now flying commercially as an instructor and examiner on the Boeing 737.
MARTIN RUDDY
MARTIN RUDDY is one of the Team’s support pilots; his duties include the ferrying of aircraft to events, display choreography, ground support and commentating. He is an Air Traffic Control Officer and another member of the Team with some significant Chipmunk flying in his logbook. A Yak 52 aerobatic pilot, he expects to add a display qualification to his pilot’s licence in 2010.
GORDON MELLING
GORDON MELLING is the Team rookie and the other support pilot, undertaking similar duties to Martin’s. A former soldier, he is now running his own catering business and exploring the light aviation envelope by alternating between flying a 60(?)HP Luton Minor and a 360 HP Yak 52.