RAF Aerobatic Team engineer Jess on aircraft, axles and ailerons

To mark British Science Week, we caught up with Corporal Jessica Ware, mechanical engineer with the RAF Aerobatic Team, to hear what a day working alongside the Red Arrows is really like.

The other engineers and I are known as the Blues, due to the colour of our distinctive display coveralls. I have been in this role for one year but have been in the Royal Air Force for 16 years. Every day is a real privilege working as part one of the most iconic teams not just in the RAF, but in the world. Getting to see the aerobatics performed daily and knowing you helped get them there is a wonderful and rewarding feeling.

My days with the RAF Aerobatic Team are always diverse! An average day will start at 07:30 when we will be briefed on taskings. That could involve taking the jets out onto the line and seeing them off and in throughout the day or preparing the equipment and tools to carry out vital maintenance to get aircraft ready for the displays.

As with any aircraft, there are routine repairs and scheduled maintenance which I need to account for and manage. These items can be anything from fixing a damaged axle or scratched aileron, to something much more challenging like an engine change. Each item requires a slightly different approach or technique, but with the amazing team I have working with me, we can power over most hurdles.

Covid-19 has had a massive impact on the way we work. We now take constant risk assessments to ensure safety is kept to the highest levels whilst carrying out even the simplest of tasks. We also wear face masks, shields and gloves, disinfect any tools after using them, and keep our distance from one another. Luckily, we also use rapid testing facilities to help prevent the spread of the virus whilst keeping our skills at peak performance.

I grew up in Grimsby and always had a strong interest in STEM subjects at school. I never thought that studying maths and design technology would lead me to where I am, so I’m really passionate about helping younger people understand that those kinds of subjects can open the doors to some incredible job opportunities.

STEM subjects, especially engineering, are becoming a bit cooler in schools and amongst young people now – I think it's fantastic and if I can inspire even one more person to get involved and take an interest, then I'll be happy with that.