Balloon Fiesta 2008

The world-famous display team showed off their amazing skills to crowds of thousands at Ashton Court estate.

And we got up close and personal with one of the pilots, with BBC exclusive footage from inside the cockpit of one of the planes.

Since the team's creation in 1965 the Red Arrows have flown over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.

And their first visit to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta was a particular treat for Red One pilot, Wing Commander Jas Hawker, aged 36, who was educated at The Castle School in Thornbury.

Watch video of the Ashton Court flight in the company of Red Six pilot Flight Lieutenant Paul ‘Pablo’ O’Grady, aged 31, who is Synchro Leader for the 2008 display season.

Pablo previously spent time with 41 (Fighter) Squadron where he flew on a number of exercises across Europe, the USA and the Middle-East.

And he's a bit of an outdoor sports fan, with kite surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking and skiing listed among his hobbies.

"The experience of flying with the Red Arrows is truly unique," he said.

Each display pilot flies with the Red Arrows for three years, ensuring that expertise is passed on from year to year. On completion of their three-year tour of duty, pilots return to their primary Royal Air Force role with front line or instructional squadrons.

The nine pilots that form the team fly dual control BAE Systems Hawk T1 planes, the RAF’s advanced trainer, which has been used by the Red Arrows since 1979, replacing the Folland Gnat.

The Hawk’s Rolls Royce Adour engine produces 5,200lbs of thrust and can power the aircraft to a top speed of Mach 1.2.

Balloon Fiesta event director Susan Tanner said: "Virtually every event in the world would love to have the Red Arrows appearing and I am delighted that they have chosen the Fiesta as it celebrates its 30th anniversary."