Barry Cross
Managing Director 
Barry joined Pilotwise after a successful career as an RAF fast-jet pilot.
He joined the RAF in 1982, training on the Jet Provost and Hawk. His first tour of duty was as a Qualified Flying Instructor at RAF Valley’s Advanced Flying Training School.
Following conversion to the F-4 Phantom in 1988, Barry joined 74(F) Squadron at RAF Wattisham in the air-defence role. In 1991 he was selected to join the Red Arrows (the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team) and flew initially as Red 3, Red 4 in his second season and then Red 8 in his final year.
In 1993 he took part in the Team’s highly successful tour to the USA and Canada. After leaving the Red Arrows, Barry spent the next 5 years flying the Tornado F3 with XI(F) Squadron at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire – the final three years as Flight Commander. During this period, he took part in numerous operational detachments, completed the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme and participated in several North American 'Flag' exercises.
Barry’s next tour was with 100 Squadron again flying the Hawk to provide adversary tactics for all RAF front-line types. In 2003 he moved back to instructional duties at RAF Linton-on-Ouse flying the Tucano, firstly as Commanding Officer of a basic Fast-jet Squadron and, in his final tour, Officer Commanding the Central Flying School squadron responsible for instructor training.
In addition to over 5000 military flying hours, Barry also holds a civil ATPL.
