Wing Commander (retired) Ross Priday, BSc(Hons), CEng, MA, FRAeS, RAF

Ross joined the Royal Air Force in 1990 as an aircraft engineer and was commissioned as an officer in 2001. Between 2011-2013, as a Squadron Leader and Senior Engineer Officer, Ross served with the Royal Air Force Red Arrows, leading the famous ‘Blues’ engineering team. Ross had responsibility for all engineering and logistical matters for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. His lectures cover the history of the world famous team from its origins in the early 1960s through to the present day, including a light-hearted and candid review of his own time with the team.

With new presentations introduced this year, Ross also talks about the extensive wildlife and environmental conservation projects that are undertaken in military training areas such as Salisbury Plain, drawing contrasts between the importance of effective military training versus the need to protect these unique areas and wildlife for the future.

Other talks include the UK Military presence in places like Gibraltar, Cyprus, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands with a fascinating mix of history, current affairs, personal experiences and wildlife and conservation efforts, bringing an unusual insight into some of these locations that are regularly visited by cruise lines.

Ross also delivers a talk entitled "Great Aviation Events", which takes a look at some of the pivotal moments in the history of aviation, reflecting on man's continued fascination with flight.

Ross's presentations are supported with an extensive range of impressive photographs and exclusive videos, which, together with his humour-filled view of each subject, help to bring the talks to life and in particular provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at life with the Red Arrows.

Now recently retired from the RAF, Ross is CEO for a successful business as a Human Performance Expert, working extensively in all aspects of modern aviation and other safety critical industries.

A keen sportsman, Ross enjoys running and weight training and has completed several marathons and other ‘ultra’ long-distance running events. His other interests include fishing, rugby and watching Moto GP motorcycle racing.

AVIATION TALKS

1. The History of the Red Arrows (Part 1) - The Gnat Years
Starting with the very early days of formation flying and a look at the circumstances which led to the creation of the world famous aerobatic display team. The Gnat aircraft was used by the Red Arrows from 1964-1979 and this presentation looks at the highlights and memorable events of that period, with original and unique photo and video material.

2. The History of the Red Arrows (Part 2) - The Hawk Years
The second chapter of the Red Arrow's history covers the period 1979-2013 and looks at the team's high points and memorable events flying the Hawk aircraft. With unique and original photo and video footage.

3. The Best of British - A Year With The Red Arrows
A personal review of 3 years flying with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows, with unique photographs, videos (some taken by the presenter) and anecdotes.

4. Aerobatic Display Teams of the World
A high-speed trip around the world of aerobatic display teams, with potted histories, unique footage, photos and details of aircraft and events over the years. The presentation can be tailored to suit the location of the cruise or voyage and could include a look at the USAF Thunderbirds, the US Navy Blue Angels, the Canadian AF Snowbirds or any number of other European and worldwide display teams as required to suit the audience. The presentation finishes with a look at what the future of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team might be.

5. Defence of the Realm
A fascinating look at the extensive wildlife and environmental conservation projects that are undertaken within the Ministry of Defence real estate around the world. The alliance between military training and wildlife conservation may seem an unlikely one, but as this talk explains, the unique status of these training areas provide a safe home for some of the rarest animals. Ross talks through some of the successful projects and explains the challenges faced in maintaining these areas into the future.

6. Great Events in Aviation
A look through the history of man's fascination with flight, with a focus on some of the pivotal events in aviation over the years. Some of the events in the talk are well-known, but others will be less so and this informative presentation will chart the past, present and future of aviation from the lecturer's personal viewpoint.

WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION TALKS

These talks are an original series of presentations which cover the history of the locations from a political and military perspective. Many of the presentations include photos and videos taken by the presenter. The talks are a fascinating mix of historical events, current affairs and wildlife and conservation efforts. Whilst this may sound like an unlikely mix of subjects, the presenter explains how these things are inextricably linked, providing a unique and unusual perspective on these well-known locations. In many ways, these talks are an original take on more traditional destination talks, shining a different spotlight on these popular holiday destinations.

1. GIBRALTAR
A look at the history of "The Rock", from a military perspective. The talk explains the importance of Gibraltar for the UK military and looks at how it has been used to support military operations over the years. There are a number of unique photos, some taken by the presenter himself, which highlight some of the many important events that have taken place at Gibraltar. The talk includes a look at wildlife and conservation efforts that wouldn't have happened without the involvement of the UK Military.

2. CYPRUS
A similar presentation on the Island of Cyprus, looking at military history and current affairs, plus wildlife and conservation efforts being undertaken by the UK Military on the island.

3. THE SOUTH ATLANTIC
A similar presentation looking at some of the more remote locations of Ascension and the Falkland Islands from a military perspective, with a focus on the unique and varied wildlife and conservation efforts that the UK military has supported over the years.

Ross has undertaken numerous assignments with various cruise lines. He has a portfolio of 6 talks, but is adding to these regularly to expand his appeal to cruise lines/cruises needing more than 6 talks.

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.