Only 7 Reds????

[Mayfly]

If this is true it's incredably sad and I hope isn't a sign of things to come. I wish Kirsty all the best.

Here

Note it is from the Sun!!!

[Xplumberlives]

I'm rather surprised that this has come to light in a lightweight comic rather than an RAF announcement!

Either way it's a damned shame!

[Gaz]

Hope she's ok, it must be a tough time

[Xplumberlives]

Seems to be hitting the REAL Newspapers as well!

The Telegraph has this;

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... -role.html

BUT they quote the Sun!

[Hihonyr8811]

Bless her I can't even begin to imagine how hard it's been for all of them the last few months.
If true, I'm glad she's being reassigned, hopefully she'll get to go with them to the airshows.

There have definitely been 9 up and flying recently, although not as 9, so don't know where the 7 bit comes from, although it's been a while since I heard Kirsty, I'm trying to think when was the last time I heard her.
They wouldn't reassign another one to even things up would they?

[10680]

Also on BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-li ... e-17249660

[Nickolas]

7 to balance the display odd numbers work better apparently.
As some one else cynically said, down to 7 this year, no reinstatement to 9 next year and so a saving has been seen to be made. This needs to be watched VERY carefully.

[Ajw]

The team will still carry out official flypasts with nine aircraft. The Red Arrows will return to a full aerobatic formation of nine aircraft in 2013

^^from the BBC website.

TBH, I think it will be a fitting tribute to only fly as a 7 ship for the year. And it will also make their displays a little different from previous years!

[MOD]

There are a lot of people saying rather sexist things concerning Kirsty's 'grounding'.

The Reds are, almost by definition, a very closely knit group of specially talented pilots and I would have been surprised if none of them had been overcome by these tragic events. There is a gender issue here but I believe it is only because overall men are better at hiding their feelings in circumstances such as this. It's the macho thing to do - sometimes with adverse consequences.

I hope that she comes back to front line flying and rejoins the Reds.


ibw

[Mayfly]

I am appalled by some of the comments which I suspect come in the main from those who couldn't hold a candle to Kirsty's flying ability.

I think she has shown more guts than many male pilots would have in her situation -

All the best Kirsty - Thank you for the terrific displays and thrills you have given us and in time I hope you return to flying if thats what you wish to do.

[Hihonyr8811]

I am appalled by some of the comments which I suspect come in the main from those who couldn't hold a candle to Kirsty's flying ability.

I think she has shown more guts than many male pilots would have in her situation -

All the best Kirsty - Thank you for the terrific displays and thrills you have given us and in time I hope you return to flying if thats what you wish to do.

Well said

Only those who have been Red Arrow pilots will know the pressure they are under, add to that loosing two members in tragic accidents only a few months apart, that would take it's toll on anyone so good on her for being honest with the team and with herself

Red 2 said on Twitter that they have already drawn up the short list of candidates for next year so hopefully it will be back to 9 for 2013.
Although I too am looking forward to seeing what they do with 7

[Xplumberlives]

I am appalled by some of the comments which I suspect come in the main from those who couldn't hold a candle to Kirsty's flying ability.

Where have you seen these inappropriate comments?

[Mayfly]

They were on one of the bigger fora and at least 1 thread was deleted.

[Xplumberlives]

They were on one of the bigger fora and at least 1 thread was deleted.

What a bloody shame!

[Hungry Haggis]

To be a Red is to be probably at the pinnacle of your career .To choose to leave before your time shows a load of courage ,I can only guess at the anguish (?) & turmoil that decision took to reach.She made the decision & consulted her bosses before that one broke on the uninformed & those who write or say sexist & nasty things are not worth the effort of replying to .

Well done &thank you for your dedication & skill in the air .

[Nickolas]

The lady has more balls than all the critics put together.
If the critics could grow some they'd never match Kirsty's.

[Terryjones]

This clearly wasn't an easy decision for her, as Hungry Haggis says, being a Red is probably the pinnacle of any bodies flying career. Also, Kirsty would have known her decision would invite cruel and sexist comments from certain members of the public.
To hand in her uniform and have to face such abuse say's a lot about how terrible it must have been for her and also how brave she actually is. It's a shame some people have to be so small minded.


Terry

[10680]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-li ... e-17372555

Just seen this on BBC

[Xplumberlives]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-17372555

Just seen this on BBC

From the BBC item in the link.


Just what was this guy TRYING to say?


Richard Baker, a photographer who spent nine months with the team during their 40th anniversary season in 2004, said the new displays would be interesting for spectators.

"I don't think it would look too different but I think it would be quite a unique thing to see in the sky," he said.

"I don't know if there has been any occasion when seven aircraft have been flying."