WITH customary precision,  the Red Arrows arrived on  schedule at Exeter Airport  at eight minutes past four.

After flying over the city  skies in formation, the legendary aerobatic team in 10  Hawk T Mk 1s touched down  for a short break before departing to entertain crowds  at an RNLI event in Dorset,  returning later for an  overnight stay.

Exeter Airport is frequently used as a Westcountry base by the Red Arrows  as the team enters the hectic  summer season, appearing  at shows and events almost  every day.

And the sojourn in Exeter  was due to be brief, the crew    set to depart at 10.15am today to head to a show in  Norwich.

But the pilots take the  busy schedule in their  stride, as Flight Lieutenant  Mike Ling, also known as  Red 7, explained: “During  training we are each flying  three times a day and during  the display season we are  often at more than one different location a day.

“Whether we are flying  practices or displays, each  one is briefed and de-briefed,  Then there’s flight planning,  general paperwork and the  important role of talking to  people who come to see us to  explain what we do.”

The Red Arrows, also  known as the Royal Air  Force Aerobatic Team  (RAFAT),  were formed in  1965, and named after the  colour of their aircraft and  in recognition of the Black  Arrows, a popular  aerobatic  team in the late 50s and early  60s. They initially flew Gnat  jet trainers, converting to  the Hawk in 1979. The Hawk  has taken the team on tours  of eastern and western Europe, the USA and Canada,  the Middle and Far East,  Africa, the former Soviet  Union and Australia.

 The team will be returning to Devon on Thursday,  August  20 to take part in the  Dawlish Carnival and Airshow.