Red 9 Grounded After Deaths

[Luigi Gorgonzola]

The guardian reports the first female Red Arrows pilot to be reassigned, supposedly as a consequence of two tragic accidents in 2011.

 

According to the article, "defence sources" said these accidents had an "adverse effect" on her, finally leading to her reassignment.

 

While I can well imagine the stress these pilots have to deal with, I'm surprised to see a pilot to be retired after just three years. Anyone with some more insight/knowledge williing to comment?

 

Red 9 is still being listed as a regular team member at http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/behindthescenes/red9.cfm

 

Link to article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/mar/04/red-arrows-pilot-grounded

[CDR Spectre]

Such a shame. One can only imagine what was going through that woman's head every time she strapped into that aircraft...

[kam]

Yep the red arrows will have 7 display aircraft this season, 9 aircraft will be used for official flypasts.

 

Respect to her, must have soul destroying for every member of the team when they had 2 fatalities in such a short space of time.

[kam]

Official statement;

 

A message from Red 1, Squadron Leader Jim Turner:

 

"Following the announcement on Sunday that Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Stewart will be leaving the team, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and messages of goodwill. Kirsty completed 2 immaculate seasons with the team, performing to a level expected of any Red Arrows pilot. She leaves the team with our thanks for her dedicated service and our best wishes for her future.

 

The last few months have been the hardest that the team have endured for a long time, however; in true RAF spirit and ethos we are determined to put the recent tragedies behind us and move forward to promote our reputation as one of the finest, most professional and safest military display teams in the world. Our winter training programme is progressing well, and the Team will be departing for Cyprus within the next week.

 

I can confirm that we will be flying as a seven aircraft formation throughout 2012. The 2012 display will conform to a traditional format of synchronised formation aerobatics during the first half of the display followed by a more dynamic second half; the ‘Synchro Pair’ will be retained and perform the traditional opposition manoeuvres for which they are renowned. Signature events such as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be supported by Red Arrows flypasts using nine aircraft. Flt Lt Dave Davies, Red 8 will no longer fly on displays but be retained to provide essential Team support and also to conduct flypasts together with Sqn Ldr Mike Ling, Red 10.

 

The whole team joins me in thanking, from the bottom of our hearts, the general public and our fellow Service men and women for their continued support throughout this most difficult period."

 

Red 1

 

Squadron Leader Jim Turner