A Red Arrows pilot killed after being ejected from his aircraft had dreamed of flying RAF fast jets since childhood, his family said today.

Iraq War veteran Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, 34, died in the incident on the runway at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire yesterday morning.

The RAF has suspended all non-essential flying on all aircraft with ejector seats of the type linked to the tragedy.

He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to the UK in 1986 at the age of nine, attending Ernesford Grange School in Coventry and studying electrical and electronic engineering at Nottingham Trent University.

Although he had the potential to become a professional footballer, he decided to follow his dream of training as an RAF pilot.

Having joined the RAF in 2000, he flew Tornado GR4s during the Iraq War as part of 617 ''The Dambusters'' Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Flt Lt Cunningham joined the Red Arrows in 2010 and was this year promoted to the important ''Red 5'' position in the world-famous aerobatics team.

His father Jim, mother Monika and sister Nicolette said in a statement: ''Sean was first and foremost a much-loved son and brother who will be dearly missed by all of his family, and his many good friends.

''Since his childhood Sean had dreamed of flying fast jets in the Royal Air Force. Through his hard work and dedication he achieved that dream, and the pinnacle of his career was to fly in the Red Arrows.

''Sean loved his flying and we hope that his life will be an inspiration to all those who share his dreams. His fun-loving nature has never failed to put a smile on the faces of those who knew and loved him. This is how he will be remembered.''