Exciting News…Introducing Flight Lieutenant Tom Nation 2026 Typhoon Display Pilot

The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company proudly sponsor The Typhoon Display Team and are proud to announce the 2026 Typhoon Display Pilot Flight Lieutenant Tom Nation.

Flt Lt Tom Nation was born and raised in Pontypridd, South Wales. He joined 1004 Sqn Air Cadets aged 13 and learned to fly with 634 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, where he became a Gliding Instructor at the age of 16. Growing up he was a keen aviation enthusiast and attended many airshows, which is where his ambition to join the Royal Air Force as a pilot began.  He went on to study Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University, gaining a bachelor’s degree before going on to complete a master’s degree in Materials Science.  During his time at Swansea, he was also a keen member of the Universities of Wales Air Squadron where he flew the Grob Tutor. 

Tom joined the RAF in 2015 where he completed his Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell. He then went on to Elementary Flying Training (EFT) with 16 Sqn at RAF Wittering, returning to the Grob Tutor. Tom was streamed fast jet, continuing to his Basic Fast Jet Training course on the Tucano T1, at RAF Linton on Ouse. After being awarded his wings and whilst waiting for his Advanced Flying Training (AFT) course, he spent time flying air cadets on experience flights with 1AEF (Air Experience Flight) at MOD St Athan. He then went on to complete AFT and the Tactics and Weapons course at RAF Valley on the Hawk T2 with 25Sqn and 4Sqn respectively. 

Tom arrived on 29 Sqn to complete his operational conversion onto the mighty Typhoon in early 2021. Chosen to serve with 6 Sqn ‘The Flying Canopeners’ based at RAF Lossiemouth, he flew on operations in the Middle East; NATO Air Policing in Eastern Europe; and deployed to the Falkland Islands, Australia and Germany. A highlight of his time on 6 Sqn included taking part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations forming part of the ‘70’ formation in the Royal flypast. He thoroughly enjoyed his time on 6 Sqn but was pleased to be posted to 29 Sqn in September 2024 to begin his instructional tour. His role as an instructor has allowed him to teach the next generation of Typhoon pilots how to fly and fight in the Typhoon, something he takes great pride in.  Tom was incredibly honoured to be selected as the 2026 Display Pilot and shadowed his friend and predecessor Sqn Ldr Nathan Shawyer for the 2025 season.

In his spare time, Tom is a keen Welsh Rugby fan and a self-proclaimed Star Wars nerd. He met his wife, Rosie whilst learning to fly the Typhoon at Coningsby and is a proud stepdad to his 6-year-old, Rueben who he intends to drag to as many air shows as possible.

Looking to reach new heights with your coffee game? Enjoy our RAF Typhoon Display Team Coffee Bags and Typhoon Display Team Coffee Beans on The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company website.