Red Arrows To Fly Full Formation For RAF100 Year Despite Crash

The Red Arrows will fly in their famous Diamond Nine formation for RAF 100 year, despite a crash which killed an engineer and injured a pilot in March. 

The programme for the 54th season of displays has been released revealing that Squadron Leader Mike Ling will come back to fly in the Red 3 position instead of Flight Lieutenant David Stark, while he recovers from his injuries.

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding of the RAF Aerobatic Team, said: “Careful consideration was given in making the decision to bring in a pilot to the Red 3 position.

“As the Squadron recovers from the tragic loss of a colleague, the on-going convalescence of Flt Lt Stark and the safe operation of the Red Arrows is paramount for us.

“The decision will also allow the most visually-appealing solution for the 2018 season and maintain the Red Arrows’ famous Diamond Nine shape.”

Sqn Ldr Ling, a qualified Hawk T1 pilot, has already completed nine seasons with the team and is one of the most experienced Red Arrows pilots.

He left the team at the end of 2017, having been Red 10 for six seasons.

After the two fatal incidents in 2011 that took the life of Flt Lt Jon Egging and Flt Lt Sean Cunningham, their shows were suspended for 18 months and flew with seven for much of 2012.

Later this month, the Red Arrows are to carry out their annual exercise overseas, where they will complete a five-week pre-season training programme.

All the Red Arrows display dates for this year have now been published online.