Officer Commanding BBMF Squadron Leader Paul Wise
Paul, known as‘ Ernie’, grew up in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, where his passion for military aviation began as an Air Cadet, enjoying Air Experience Flights in the Chipmunk – an aircraft he now flies with the BBMF.
Ernie joined the RAF in 1999 as a Weapons Technician on Jaguar aircraft at RAF Coltishall before training as a C-130K Hercules pilot at RAF Lyneham, conducting Tactical Air Transport missions worldwide. After the C-130K’ s retirement, he became a Qualified Flying Instructor( QFI) at RAF Church Fenton, teaching Elementary Flying Training on the Tutor. He later returned to fly the C-130J at RAF Brize Norton, where he took on operational and instructional roles, notably conducting the RAF’ s first airborne re-supply mission in Antarctica.
Dedicated to training future aircrew, Ernie then instructed on the Phenom at RAF Cranwell before being promoted and appointed Officer Commanding Multi-Engine Examiners at the Central Flying School, overseeing instructional standards across Defence.
Since joining the BBMF in 2017, Ernie has qualified as a Dakota and Lancaster Captain, as well as a QFI. He was appointed Officer Commanding BBMF in late 2025.
Outside of work, Ernie is a devoted family man and an avid Formula 1 fan.