Whilst I am saddened by the deaths of the two guys onboard the Firefly, I am more saddened that those deaths should occur doing something as stupid as low level aerobatics in historic aeroplanes.
Leaving aside the fact that the aeroplane is probably irreplaceable (it is only an aeroplane, after all, and the lives of the aircrew are infinitely more valuable), has no-one learned from the accidents that we have seen over the years?
The P38 crash at Duxford a couple of years back was a classic example. These machines are NOT like modern aeroplanes and you can NOT take liberties with them. Most of the public would just be happy to see such machines in the air - a high speed, high power flypast with a Merlin/Griffin growling, followed by a nice, gentle wingover and another pass is enough for these museum pieces.
Leave the aeros to the Pitts and Zlins - they are designed for it
Last edited by moggie; 17th Jul 2003 at 16:39.