Note from the production team: This series is an observational documentary series, which means just that. Tonight’s show is not only a fitting tribute to Sqn Ldr Long- both as a pilot and person - but it has been produced with full approval and consent of his family. This story showcases how dangerous a profession being a pilot can be. Covering Sqn Ldr Long’s death was extremely difficult & challenging for our film crew at RAF Coningsby who had got to know Mark as part of Mac & Cheese’s training. Whilst we appreciate that it might be difficult viewing for some, telling this story and how it genuinely affected those closest to him isn’t about chasing viewing figures or likes on social media. This is about paying tribute to an exceptional person who tragically lost his life doing what he loved.

On 25th May 2024, @RoyalAirForce Sqn Ldr Mark Long was tragically killed when his @RAFBBMF Spitfire crashed near @RAFConingsby. #TopGunsC4 cameras captured the immediate aftermath as news reached the pilots who knew Mark best, including two of his pupils, ‘Mac and Cheese’ whom he was teaching to fly @eurofighter jets. Please tune in to Top Guns: Inside the RAF tonight at 9pm on @Channel4 @ChiefofAirStaff @DefenceHQ @UKStratCom @SSAFA @pinstripedline @HarvSmyth @DefenceSenseUK @thinkdefence @MilitaryBanter @UKDefJournal @DefenceOps