A PODCASTER has welcomed “one of the most iconic Red Arrows pilots” in his latest episode.

Louis Skupien, from Barrington, recorded an episode of his Talk 4 podcast with Mike Ling, the longest-serving RAF Red Arrows jet pilot with an incredible 10-year period as a Red Arrow.

Mr Ling went on to be one of the members of the Blades aerobatic team, which consisted of only former Red Arrow pilots.

Louis said: “He is an MBE and one of the greatest pilots the air force has ever produced. Mike and I clicked straight away.

“We are both massive aviation fans and I found myself in what felt like a chat with a likeminded friend and less like an interview, which led to a truly fun, informative, wowing, and insightful talk with Mike.

“Speaking to Mike was truly a great honour. When you look at the Red Arrows, they are absolutely National icons and viewed by many as heroes.

“Going into the talk, I was unsure what to expect and what someone of such high stature would be like in conversation.

“To my pleasant surprise, I found Mike to be truly just a warm, funny, easy-going person with a massive passion for Aviation which we absolutely relate to.

“Mike now follows me on my social media and is helping put me in touch with some very exciting people for the show as he enjoyed our talk so much.

“As a huge fan of aviation myself, I was also very eager to discuss the Red Arrows Hawk T1 jet and what it feels like to fly, as the design looks fairly similar to the L39 Albatros fighter jet which I have flown before.

“For quite some time I have been trying to get a present or former Red Arrow on the show but have found it to be quite challenging.

“I’ve had several legendary American pilots on the show, including the former Commander of Top Gun and various other pilots of legendary aircraft with incredible stories, but I really wanted to have a Red Arrow as they truly are our international and national ambassadors of the RAF and the UK.

“When I received the booking and go-ahead from Mike, I was absolutely buzzing to be welcoming one of the most iconic Red Arrows pilots with such an exciting career.”

The episode can be found on Louis Skupien's YouTube channel.