DISPLAY FLYING – A PERSONAL VIEW
I first started display flying in 1973 and have completed over 2000 displays worldwide in a wide variety of military and civilian fixed wing and rotary machines. I have lost a lot of close friends in display flying accidents caused by a multitude of reasons that may or may not have been under their control. Now fully retired from all flying due to medical issues I have listed below some thoughts (not necessarily in order of importance) that may be worthy of consideration.
Aircraft – It’s the aircraft people want to see – not a foolhardy pilot
Audience - Most audiences are made up of a very low percentage of aviation professionals so display to the higher percentage audience.
Allowances – Operate well within the aircraft and your personal limits. Minimum limits give you much reduced margins for an error of judgement.
Barrel Rolls - They are one of the most dangerous manoeuvre in the book.
Birds - Bird strike risks are higher at low level, over the sea or near waste tips. Make allowances and review your personal protection and procedures.
Currency - Don’t expect to display if you are not in current display practice/not fully fit. (Fully fit includes well rested, not hung over, no after work stress, no home stresses etc)
Dependants - Remember your dependants. They expect you to come home.
Ejection Seat - If fitted do not expect miracles. It has operating limits. Know them and tailor your display accordingly.
Entertain - Displays are formulated to Entertain, Excite, Educate but never to Frighten.
Humility - Never believe you are the best.
Minimum’s - A thoughtful pilot rarely flies down to minimum’s.
Mistakes - Mistakes can be made in a split second but the results could be forever.
Perspective - Beware the ‘Goldfish Bowl’ day with no horizon over a flat calm sea !!
Practice - Stick to what you know and have practised. Unscheduled flypasts/displays can be a killer.
Pressure - Never be intimidated by personal or external pressures.
Skill - The skill and professionalism of a pilot is ultimately judged by finishing a display with the aircraft and himself in one piece.
Unexpected - During all display flying/non-flying activities ‘Expect the Unexpected’ and leave room/time to cope.
Death - Death comes to all men. The trick is to make it ‘Always in the Future’
If you have any more to points or anecdotal stories then feel free to pass them on.