I agree with a lot of the sentiments posted on this subject, from both sides of ther argument.
However, take a moment to consider.
1. Article appears suggesting abolishment of the Red Arrows.
2. More newspapers get the story - it becomes a headline.
3. Step forward Blair.
" There has never been any intention of abolishing the Red Arrows. This is precisely the sort of scaremongering dreamed up by tabloid editors in company with Michael Howard........."
3. Blair achieves a win/win, he points out the zero cost of the team against their huge contribution to overseas 'investment' in our country. He gets positive publicity and some brownie points from those who believe he has 'changed his mind' and even more brownie points from those who supported him anyway, but enjoyed airshowsand are now reassured that no money is being wasted which could otherwise be 'invested' in more bureaucracy forthe Public Services.
4. Now put this technique in the context of the European Constitution, one has to admire the b###ard. One can see how all the Franco/German/Brit squabbling is purely designed for soundbites on the news. They all look macho, they are all seen to be patriotic, they are all seen to have secured a good deal for their voters.....in fact the original confidential deal is the one that has happened, and they have all played their parts to perfection.
5. To conclude,
one can see how most pilots are generally far too honest and straightforward to succeed in management jobs. We tend to believe what people say, because we tell the factual truth most of our lives - the job demands it. We tend to believe what we read (well, mostly, lol
) because most of our professional reading is factual and hard data copy. We always give management another chance - usually - even though we believe the bat will be shoved in further. When it comes to dealing with politicians, we are babes in arms.
I won't go on in depth, but for anyone really interested, take a look at the EASA web site, and read their intentions carefully. The proposed adjustments to the FTL scheme are the thinnest of thin edges of the wedge!
Oh - and watch for Blair's statement on the Arrows - you heard it here first!!
