"Depending on the future of the team given the age of the jets, the lack of an obvious alternative and the current financial situation then maybe the time has come to pull the plug entirely?"
Agreed, sad as it is.
ECLAT "brilliant display or effect" - looking at the whole, this has not been true for some time.
Three fatal accidents. Two of which show poor knowledge and discipline.
Unacceptable personal behaviour, tarnishing the public's imagine of the RAF and the team.
Is this team still a good recruiting tool? Are we still demonstrating excellence? Are we still helping UK defence sales?
Best thing is to close down the RAF aerobatic team.
Place all the personnel into RAF squadrons, where their skills will be welcomed and much needed.
Revisit the whole concept downstream - something smaller and more easily (and closely) managed perhaps.
lsh