Squadron Leader Paul Wise
Sqn Ldr Paul ‘ Ernie ’ Wise joined the RAF in 1999 as a SAC Weapons Technician serving on 6 Sqn with the Jaguar at RAF Coltishall . Pursuing his ambition of becoming a pilot , in 2002 he was selected for Initial Officer Training and went on to fly the C-130K at RAF Lyneham . Here he operated the Hercules in the Tactical Air Transport role globally . Ernie then opted to instruct Elementary Flying Training in his home County of Yorkshire , at RAF Church Fenton , as an A2 Qualified Flying Instructor ( QFI ). After this tour he was reacquainted with the Hercules , this time the C-130J at RAF Brize Norton . Here he spent a busy 8 years supporting operations in the Middle East , South Atlantic , and humanitarian operations worldwide ; notably also crewed to conduct the first RAF airborne resupply mission in Antarctica . Completing his C-130 career as a Standards and Evaluation Examiner , he headed to Lincolnshire to deliver Multi-Engine Pilot Training on the 45 Sqn Phenom at RAF Cranwell instructing the next generation of front line pilots .
Promoted in 2024 , Ernie currently serves as OC Multi- Engine Examiners at the Central Flying School , RAF Cranwell , responsible for the maintenance of Multi- Engine aircrew instructional standards across Defence .
Settled in Bomber County with his wife and children , Ernie enjoys watching Rugby Union and is an avid Formula 1 fan . 2025 is his ninth season at BBMF , qualified as Dakota and Lancaster Captain , and A1 QFI . Ernie will take command as OC BBMF at the end of the 2025 display season .