Our Team
THE GNAT DISPLAY TEAM
The Gnat Display Team consists of several highly experienced pilots and engineers, most of whom are either current of former UK military personnel. They are all dedicated to keeping these unique and historic aircraft flying at airshow displays throughout the UK and beyond.
The Engineering Organisation is headed-up by Pete Walker. During his time in the RAF, Pete taught engineering to RAF Engineers at Halton on the Folland Gnat, making him one of the foremost engineers on-type. He is joined by Connor Holland and Nigel Fall, both of whom have well over a decade of engineering experience working on the Folland Gnat.
The team of pilots includes Willy Hackett MBE, who is a highly decorated and experienced fast-jet Test Pilot, including F35, Typhoon, Sea Harrier/VAAC, and is the former RAF Tornado F3 display pilot. He is joined by Chris Heames, who is one of the most experienced RAF Fighter Pilots of all time, with over 5000 hours fast-jet. Chris is a veteran of the airshow display circuit across multiple aircraft types. Similarly, Ollie Suckling, whose military fast-jet career includes Tornado and F35, is a current member of the Red Arrows aerobatic display team.
Finally, the Charity has three Trustees, who help in the day to day running of the organisation. The Chairman and Chief Pilot is Mark Fitzgerald, who is accompanied by Edwin Brenninkmeyer as a Trustee and fellow Display Pilot. The third Trustee, Oliver Wheeldon, is also a Gnat pilot and the Accountable Manager of the Charity’s engineering organisation.
