I have been particularly disappointed to hear comments from many regarding this tragedy, particularly from those who profess to know better. At present, very few facts are known and best we wait until all the facts are known and not make knee-jerk comments. However, those who suggest that all manoeuvres should be over the sea (BBC Today programme suggested this today) should ponder on these facts.
1. If the Shoreham disaster was the only one in over 60 years where members of the public were injured, then this is not a high risk.
2. Many airshows raise huge amounts of money for charity, as well as providing much pleasure to millions.
3. Most airshows, including the biggest (RIAT) are not near the sea.
4. Yes, there is always a risk, but should we ban all risks? If so, we must ban all flying over built-up areas, so close most airports, incl LHR, Gatwick, Manchester etc. A step further would be to ban all transport including horse riding. Electricity can also be dangerous, so let's ban that too. Patently, those suggestions are ridiculous.
1. It is not the number of casualties in 60 years that is the concern but the increasing numbers of airshow near-misses recently which could have resulted in a major disaster. Therefore it is right to look at what could be improved.
2. Seaside airshows also raise money for charity as well as lifting the whole local economy, and provide the space for a greater number of spectators. The whole of Bournemouth massively benefits from its four-day Air Festival.
3. I don't believe RIAT etc to be threatened. Quite the reverse. As more airshows move to the sea front there is a greater need for the remainder to provide good static displays. The point is Shoreham is a difficult airfield which has the option of moving its airshow to the adjacent sea front.
4. No-one wants to ban, only to eliminate unnecessary risk while still providing a good show.