A paper was read to the Test Pilots’ Group of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 1974 some months before the first Hawk flew in August of that year. On that occasion the paper consisted of some background information on how the aircraft came about, followed by a technical description and outline of the projected flight test programme. Now, some two years later, it is intended to describe the flight test programme in general terms from first flight up to the end of 1975. It is hoped that in due course some detailed aspects of this programme will be presented as a separate paper to the Test Pilots’ Group. Before starting on the flight test programme I intend to give a brief description of the aircraft for those who have not seen it before, and to refresh the memories of those who have.