Rich joined the RAF in 1983 whilst on Southampton UAS flying the Bulldog and, after basic training on the Jet Provost, became a first tour 'creamie' QFI on the Hawk at RAF Valley.  After this he was posted to the front-line to fly the Jaguar on 41(F) Squadron in the reconnaissance and attack roles.  He then completed a further Hawk tour and 2 more front-line Jaguar tours at RAF Coltishall flying on operations over Bosnia and Northern Iraq.

He has over 4000 hours flying fast jets and was a QFI on the Jaguar as well as the Hawk and left the Jaguar force as a flight commander on 54(F) Squadron. Outside the RAF he has enjoyed flying and instructing in the YAK52 for many years but has now seen the light and is instructing on western aircraft.  In his spare time Rebel occasionally drives airliners.