A TEAM of South Korean Air Force pilots and crew staying in Basingstoke ahead of a set of airshows in the UK this month has shared their first impression of the town and the country.

Major Eun-ho Yang, the team leader and first pilot of South Korean aerobatics team, Black Eagles, said Basingstoke is the very first city that he has stayed in the UK, and it will “linger long enough in his memories”.

In an exclusive interview to the Gazette, Major Yang said he was amused by the energy of people staying fit and healthy in the UK.

READ MORE: South Korean air force team in Basingstoke for airshows

“I went to gym everyday at my accommodation and was immersed by the energy of people staying fit and healthy as the gym was always full, day and night.

“They would smile, and say hello as they walk by. People I have met in Basingstoke streets were all very nice.”

Black Eagles will be performing at the Southport Air Show, Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough Airshow, as part of military diplomacy to promote South Korean-made aircraft.

The team has chosen Basingstoke as their base to travel to the airshow locations and practice ahead of the big days.

Major Yang said: “I went to Eastrop park for a walk as it was not far from my accommodation. It was interesting to see seagulls and ducks swimming along people walking around with their guards down. Seagulls only live near the coasts in South Korea. It was quite surprising to see a group of seagulls at a pond located nowhere near coasts.

“People were walking around, riding bikes, playing with their dogs, or talking to each other sitting on grass fields. It was a very peaceful moment. Antique buildings with British scent in their architecture were aligned with trees at sidewalks in harmony, as I happily recognized Hyundai and Kia vehicles parked in between houses.”

Major Yang also said he is happy to see Son Heung Min, Tottenham Hotspur forward, become a star here in the UK.

“As far as I know, football is an extremely hot topic here in the UK, being the host nation of one the world’s most professional football leagues, the Premier League where only the best can play.

“Son Heung Min is a star here in the UK, driving a football sensation in South Korea, hence making a lot of young Korean kids love and play football. I saw kids playing cricket walking around the town and it was interesting as football would be the kids’ usual sport in South Korea. “

The Black Eagles team staying in Basingstoke has eight pilots and more than 50 other personnel including mechanics, commentator, sound technician, aerial photographer and media officer.

The last time a South Korean aerobatics team performed in the UK was ten years ago – in 2012.

Captain Ethan Park, a spokesperson for the ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force) said the cheering UK crowds enjoying their show meant a lot to the Black Eagles and it left a deep impression.

“The Black Eagles have come back to the UK in 10 years. Our team promises you to deliver joyful, stunning, and delightful moments while expressing our gratitude towards the Korean War veterans.

“The Republic of Korea, one of the poorest countries just 70 years ago, has become the world's 10th strongest economic country thanks to all UN forces including the British armed forces. The Black Eagles deem this airshow the last chance to show due respect and gratitude toward the UK veterans who may have turned their 90s and promise to complete our demonstration safely and successfully.”

Here is all you want to know about the pilots in Black Eagles team staying in Basingstoke.

Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Shim: He is a veteran pilot of KF-16 with over 1,500 hours of flight. He had flown for #5 and #6 in the Black Eagles from 2011 to 2015. Lt Col Shim is still inspiring people by promoting the outstanding flight capability of ROKAF.

#1 Major Yang, the leader of the Black Eagles: The leader is the most important and difficult position of the Black Eagles since #1 is responsible for every mission, decision and safety of the team. As the main pilot of the formation flying, #1 is required to lead the whole team and give them precise directives with the best flight capability.

#2 Captain Gil, the Wing Man: #2 is the left wing and the beginning of the formation flying. #2 needs strong willpower and endurance to support #1. Captain Gil is putting his blood, sweat and tears to show the best display as the Black Eagles.

#3 Major Park, the core of the formation: #3 is an important position as the right wing of the Black Eagles' formation. In order to maintain the deliberate formation with the leader and #2, #3 is required to remain calm in any situation. #3 is the most artistic pilot in the team.

#4 Major Choi, the centre of the Black Eagles: #4 is an adviser who gives flight specifications and safety advice to the team based on massive trust from the leader and the team. #4 suggests the reference point to the synchro and the solo formation so they can maintain the formation. #4 is a trusted pilot with bravery and high responsibility.

#5 Captain Jeong, the dynamic performer of the Black Eagles: #5 leads and shows the display with #6, #7 and #8 during the second half of the display. #5 assigns the missions to the members and conducts the inverted flight mission to show the limit of the pilot and the jet. #5 is required to have a strong physical and mental health for the best performance.

#6 Major Lee, the delicate power of the Black Eagles: #6 makes the team more delicate by showing the diligent rejoining capability to maintain the formation. Based on the accurate distance calculation and the speed control, #6 repeated #2 and rejoined to play various roles in the team.

#7 Major Noh, the maximum performance of the Black Eagles: #7 is the pilot who experiences the most wide range of G-force during various dynamic displays such as heart shape display and Taegeuk display. #7 is a very devoted pilot who never lets himself and the jet to be relaxed in any situation.

#8 Captain Park, the last but the best: #8 takes the solo position to show the dynamic displays with #7. At the rear of the formation, #8 completes the high quality formations of the Black Eagles. From maintaining the formation to solo #a display, #8 is the last but the best position representing the best display and teamwork of the Black Eagles.

SEE ALSO: Tapas Revolution set to open in Basingstoke Festival Place

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