Provision of Pilot and Aircraft services for the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team

Buyer
Ministry of Defence
Value
£1,556,000
Closes
3 December 2026
Where
High Wycombe
Type
Open tender

In plain English

The Ministry of Defence wants to hire a UK-based light aircraft with a full-time pilot to support the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team. The contract runs from March 2027 to February 2030, delivering up to 130 flying hours per year for parachute training and display events, plus fire and crash cover services.

What the buyer wants

• Provide a single light aircraft certified to safely release military freefall parachutes, with a full-time pilot and support crew • Deliver up to 130 flying hours annually during the March to October seasons • Supply fire and crash cover services (up to 90 hours per year), including tender vehicles, crash equipment, extinguishing materials, and qualified emergency crews • Ensure the aircraft and all operations comply with ICAO standards and UK Defence Standards (DSA02 and DSA03) for light aircraft

Requirements

What could rule a small business out: This contract will disqualify virtually all small businesses: you must own or have exclusive access to a certified light aircraft capable of military parachute operations, employ a full-time CAA-licensed pilot with specialist experience, maintain emergency crash cover teams, and meet Defence Standards. This is an aviation specialist contract, not a typical small trade.

Always check the tender documents.

How to bid

This is an open tender: any eligible business can respond directly to the buyer by the deadline, with no framework membership needed.

Where to apply

The notice doesn't name a website for bids. Ask the buyer how to apply, using the contact on the official notice.

Questions about this tender? The official notice gives the buyer's contact.

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