Answer Updated
I am submitting more than 200 words with the comment that I would be unable to do the questions justice with so few words. I would end up with no facts and end up using flowery words. Answer that I intend to request the Red Arrows team to comment on below.
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The Royal Airforce Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), also known as the "Red Arrows" are recognized as being one of the best aerobatic display teams in the world.
The RAFAT, a team of approximately one hundred persons, comprises pilots and other roles whose functions are of prime importance. A failing in any one of the roles can cause the Red Arrows to not be able to act as ambassadors for the UK, the MOD and for the R.A.F.
The pilots, who entertain hundreds of thousands of people each year, are the primary focus of this synopsis.
A team comprises a number of persons tasked with achieving objective/s. An "effective" team is much more than the sum of parts and should include excellent people skills, procedural skills, management excellence : -
Clear objectives and agreed mutual goals
An individuals objectives, needs and goals must also be understood, recognised and fulfilled.
Effective procedures, and understanding of procedures
Regular reviews
The right people in the right role (the right mix of skills versus attitude. E.g. The best pilot may not be correct for the team if their personality does not fit).
Openness, Pride, reliability, honesty & trust
A desire & willingness to be flexible to cooperate, listen, participate & support
Appropriate leadership
Good inter/ extra group relations
Effectively interact with others, at all levels, which contributes to the teams overall success and popularity, whether this be at air shows, dinner occasions, within the team, or mess functions
Identify with and feel ownership of the project
Professionalism
Empowered team members
The team must strive for perfection. Good enough is not acceptable
Team culture
Initiative is allowed
Being committed & willing to make personal sacrifices. For example commitment to the team includes a reduced personal home life
Practice for five months, fly up to three sorties a day, five days a week prior to display season commencement
Other factors that go to making the Red Arrows what they are include the fact that the Red Arrows team select new members from those pilots that are invited to attend the week of tests, interviews and socialising.
All pilots have a basic commonality in going through officer selection, R.A.F. Cranwell & flying training. These make understanding & acceptance of others much easier.
Pilots in the Red Arrows team must have 1500hrs (minimum) fast jet flying along with at least one operational tour.
What raises the Red Arrows above the others in my eyes is many fold. With a relatively small budget of circa £9 million per annum the costs are are lower than the other military teams when number of aircraft and number of displays per annum are taken in to account. Their success is demonstrated by the number of people travelling significant distances just to see the Red Arrows, often on a repeat basis; plus their name is a globally recognised brand. Finally, the Red Arrows team demonstrate that they are able to cope with change successfully through the fact that the annual team changes are successful and effective.
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