Red Arrows to use only 7 aircraft in 2012
Discussion
Just seen some news on various sites about the Red Arrows being down to only use 7 aircraft for 2012 instead of the usual 9. Apparently they will still use 9 for official fly pasts and that sort of thing.
http://icburton.icnetwork.co.uk/news/natnews/tm_he...
Kisty Stewart doesnt seem to want to fly after being affected by the 2 deaths in 2011. She will assume some sort of ground role. The article indicates she may not fly for upwards of 6 months.
They should be back up to 9 again for 2013. Obviously training in pilots with just 3 months to go is a non runner. I wish them all a successful 2012 display season
http://icburton.icnetwork.co.uk/news/natnews/tm_he...
Kisty Stewart doesnt seem to want to fly after being affected by the 2 deaths in 2011. She will assume some sort of ground role. The article indicates she may not fly for upwards of 6 months.
They should be back up to 9 again for 2013. Obviously training in pilots with just 3 months to go is a non runner. I wish them all a successful 2012 display season
Edited by 300KPH on Sunday 4th March 18:08
Edited by 300KPH on Sunday 4th March 18:10
I guess there are a number of things to consider regarding this matter.
Surely when you join the RAF you would expect there is chance to loose co-workers, ok not during display or practice activities but the risk is always there. Surely also if she joined the RAF it would not be outside the norm to be expected to shoot down enemy aircraft or bomb a ground installation while on active duty. We all understand she lost two friends in the last 12 months which has to be difficult.
I also feel sorry for the pilot flying the 8th aircraft who has now been resigned to the odd ceremonial fly by because Kirsty has stepped down. I understand a lot of the formations dont look symetrical with 8 aircraft and hence the cut back to 7. He is now relegated to effectively a year off after this decision.
Is it now possible that we may not see a return to 9 aircraft due to firstly cost cutting and secondly to preserve existing air frames. I think if many people where asked how many airframes were in a red arrow display the common answer would be between 5 and 12 so the powers that be may see no need to go back to 9. Hopefully I,m wrong but this could all be the catalyst for a permanent reduction.
Surely when you join the RAF you would expect there is chance to loose co-workers, ok not during display or practice activities but the risk is always there. Surely also if she joined the RAF it would not be outside the norm to be expected to shoot down enemy aircraft or bomb a ground installation while on active duty. We all understand she lost two friends in the last 12 months which has to be difficult.
I also feel sorry for the pilot flying the 8th aircraft who has now been resigned to the odd ceremonial fly by because Kirsty has stepped down. I understand a lot of the formations dont look symetrical with 8 aircraft and hence the cut back to 7. He is now relegated to effectively a year off after this decision.
Is it now possible that we may not see a return to 9 aircraft due to firstly cost cutting and secondly to preserve existing air frames. I think if many people where asked how many airframes were in a red arrow display the common answer would be between 5 and 12 so the powers that be may see no need to go back to 9. Hopefully I,m wrong but this could all be the catalyst for a permanent reduction.
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