Red Arrows 2012.

[plunderbird]

Read yesterday that for the 2012 year, the 'red's' will be flying a seven aircraft formation. That's for displays, as the only female pilot has left. Due to the pressure, and concern after last years two deaths. A quote from the R.A.F. said that rather than fly anodd looking formation, they will fly seven, to keep the formations even. They will however fly the full nine for flypasts. Such as the Queens birthady, e.t.c.

[Scarecrow]

I have not heard this anywhere else.

If this is true the Red Arrows have taken a dive out of quality. The Reds are one of the top aerobatic teams in the world, but this will make them fall behind in the international friendly "competition" quite a bit. A shame, really.

[Harm]

Agreed, the number of aircraft in their show is what made them entertaining. It allowed them to do many complex maneuvers to, which was almost as cool as taking less jets and flying 18-inch wingtip to canopy.

[vandal]

It is true. But I'm sure it is only for this year.
Two pilots died very close to the end of the air show season. So not had time to train up new pilots to fill the HUGE holes left.
It takes time to get over a loss and display teams are no different.

[Danny]

So not had time to train up new pilots to fill the HUGE holes left.
It takes time to get over a loss and display teams are no different.

Indeed - the team lost about two months worth of training because of the terrible incidents. Infact, this time last year the team flew their first 9 ship, whereas they're still only flying 5 ship sorties at the moment.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing the completed display this year even if they are two jets short. Since I moved home, I've been lucky enough to see the team practice pretty much every day and I've realised how much work and effort goes into something like this.

[plunderbird]

It is true. But I'm sure it is only for this year.

Whoops, should have said it's only for this year. You guessed right vandal.