A RAF serviceman, who has overseen almost 6,000 parachute jumps, is preparing for take-off in his third display season in charge of the Falcons.

Warrant officer Paul Floyd, from Orford, followed in his dad’s footsteps after joining the RAF as a physical training instructor in 1980.

During his spell in the role, the 56-year-old completed tours at RAF St Athan, RAF Laarbruch in Germany and RAF Cosford.

In 1988 Paul completed a parachute jumping instructor course, which led to the award of his military parachute wings and the coveted parachute jumping instructor brevet.

He was subsequently posted to ‘No 1 Parachute Training School’ to instruct military courses before taking on his first tour with the RAF Falcons in 1990.

After retiring from full-time service in September 2013, Paul opted to return as a full-time reservist in the role of Falcons team manager.

And in October 2013 he started his second tour with the group, who are based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

The serviceman is anticipating a successful third season as parachute display team manager.

He said: “When I returned to the RAF Falcons as the team manager I was proud to be working among a cadre of young, enthusiastic and highly motivated personnel, some of which I saw coming through the ranks during my previous tour as the chief instructor of No 1 Parachute Training School.”

His high profile, non-jumping, position includes responsibility for the management of assets and logistics, as well as conducting the drop zone safety officer role, if required.

In Paul’s time as a parachute jumping instructor he has amassed almost 6,000 jumps.

The Falcons have completed their winter training in California and the UK in preparation for the 2017 display season, which starts on May 5 with a launch day at RAF Brize Norton.

Over the summer months they will conduct around 70 displays throughout the UK and Europe.

For further information visit raf.mod.uk/falcons.