Now crisis grounds the Red Arrows
BRITAIN’S iconic Red Arrows are set to be mothballed if air shows are cancelled for up to a year, writes Marco Giannangeli. The RAF’S Aerobatic team recently returned from a 74-day, 22,000-mile tour of the USA and Canada.
But Government measures to combat Covid-19 may see engagements cancelled for up to 12 months. If that happens, sources say, Air Command will order the Arrows’ 11 display pilots to return to frontline duties. A skeleton crew will be selected from the team’s 85 engineers to maintain the Hawk T1 jets.
All Red Arrow pilots, led by New Zealander Wing Commander Andrew Keith, are fast jet pilots and sources say their return will be welcomed by commanding officers.
Last night a senior RAF source confirmed the final decision is expected to be made next month, adding: “Of course, we all know this is a fast-moving scenario. We are led by what the Government decides. It would be a huge disappointment to the many thousands looking forward to seeing the Red Arrows this year, and would mark the first time in 50 years that the team had not performed at UK air shows.”
Most Red Arrow pilots sign on for a three-year tour, though executive officer Squadron Leader Steve Morris has nearly completed two tours.
Another RAF source said: “The Red Arrows only rotate three pilots a year to ensure they maintain highly-experienced pilots within the team. It won’t be easy to start again next year, so to speak. If this plan is actioned, it would make sense to allow the current team regular practice time along with their other duties.”
A RAF spokesman said: “A variety of exercises and events across all three services has been cancelled as a prudent measure. We continue to make sensible and proportionate adjustments to non-essential activity.”