Red arrows confusing display team make up
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Finningley Boy
“I’ve never come across anything like this before”
Er – it’s been a lot worse in the distant past.
In the late 60s a new leader was parachuted into the team without having flown with them before ‘down the back’, so to speak. During the season work-up he was so bad at leading that the rest of the formation broke away during a display practice and landed independently.
The team refused to fly with him again; a previous leader was brought in on the spot and led a successful season.
It happened again in the mid 70s, although it wasn’t quite so dramatic.
Unofficially, the Arrows (that’s what we used to call them - not the Reds), are the only RAF unit which can sack its own boss.
ExMM
“I’ve never come across anything like this before”
Er – it’s been a lot worse in the distant past.
In the late 60s a new leader was parachuted into the team without having flown with them before ‘down the back’, so to speak. During the season work-up he was so bad at leading that the rest of the formation broke away during a display practice and landed independently.
The team refused to fly with him again; a previous leader was brought in on the spot and led a successful season.
It happened again in the mid 70s, although it wasn’t quite so dramatic.
Unofficially, the Arrows (that’s what we used to call them - not the Reds), are the only RAF unit which can sack its own boss.
ExMM
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Originally Posted by campbeex
Apart from the obvious, one of the disappointing aspects of this story is the lack of imagination put into nicknames in today's Royal Air Force (e.g. Damon "Damo" Green).
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Originally Posted by Diff Tail Shim
One of the newbies has a nickname that is not that politically correct. I doubt he will use it and I certainly will not be offering to disclose it here.
Originally Posted by Stitchbitch
OMS, we had quite a few on Harrier including LOG (Schlong) and SAK. A good chuckle could be had when BAD, BAK, DIC, & HED were programmed on the same 4 ship...
DiC and HeD seem very appropriate for Harrier mates. (IMHO of course)
😉
Originally Posted by Finningley Boy
Red Arrows pilot sacked after ‘affair’ and second quits over ‘toxic culture’ | Metro News
I've never come across anything like this before.
FB
I've never come across anything like this before.
FB
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LotofTime
Reference historical Red Arrows problems:
‘ExMM that is most definitely not worse than what has been going on lately, and what the investigation is uncovering.’ My italics
I have no idea of the full ins and outs of what has just happened to the team. as I take all media reports about aviation with a large pinch of salt.
However, If you had some experience of formation display aerobatics I’m sure you would agree that the prospect of the entire team being flown into the ground by an incompetent leader would certainly grab your attention.
ExMM
Reference historical Red Arrows problems:
‘ExMM that is most definitely not worse than what has been going on lately, and what the investigation is uncovering.’ My italics
I have no idea of the full ins and outs of what has just happened to the team. as I take all media reports about aviation with a large pinch of salt.
However, If you had some experience of formation display aerobatics I’m sure you would agree that the prospect of the entire team being flown into the ground by an incompetent leader would certainly grab your attention.
ExMM
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Always admired the Arrows over many years. Unfortunately after reading press accounts of this apparent debacle I sadly have to say that should the Government decide we can no longer afford them then I would be saddened but not devastated. To not be able to perform a 9 ship team is totally disappointing and an embarrassment for both the RAF &UK. The resources required have, in recent years, been repaid in global pride and esteem whilst inspiring potential recruits (albeit not it seems of the required ethnic quota). In the current economic crisis there are probably many who feel the money could be spent in more needy areas. Can anyone put forward the argument they deserve to continue to exist or could we have 2 more Wedgetails instead? Personally would like both!!
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Originally Posted by Finningley Boy
Not meaning to be nosey but I wonder what the Toxic culture is that's referred to? Just can't imagine this in the days of the Great Red Arrows leaders of the past, Lee Jones, Ray Hannah AFC*, Ian Dick, Brian Hoskins etc.
FB
FB
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Originally Posted by brianj
Always admired the Arrows over many years. Unfortunately after reading press accounts of this apparent debacle I sadly have to say that should the Government decide we can no longer afford them then I would be saddened but not devastated. To not be able to perform a 9 ship team is totally disappointing and an embarrassment for both the RAF &UK. The resources required have, in recent years, been repaid in global pride and esteem whilst inspiring potential recruits (albeit not it seems of the required ethnic quota). In the current economic crisis there are probably many who feel the money could be spent in more needy areas. Can anyone put forward the argument they deserve to continue to exist or could we have 2 more Wedgetails instead? Personally would like both!!
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Originally Posted by exMudmover
Finningley Boy
“I’ve never come across anything like this before”
Er – it’s been a lot worse in the distant past.
In the late 60s a new leader was parachuted into the team without having flown with them before ‘down the back’, so to speak. During the season work-up he was so bad at leading that the rest of the formation broke away during a display practice and landed independently.
The team refused to fly with him again; a previous leader was brought in on the spot and led a successful season.
It happened again in the mid 70s, although it wasn’t quite so dramatic.
Unofficially, the Arrows (that’s what we used to call them - not the Reds), are the only RAF unit which can sack its own boss.
ExMM
“I’ve never come across anything like this before”
Er – it’s been a lot worse in the distant past.
In the late 60s a new leader was parachuted into the team without having flown with them before ‘down the back’, so to speak. During the season work-up he was so bad at leading that the rest of the formation broke away during a display practice and landed independently.
The team refused to fly with him again; a previous leader was brought in on the spot and led a successful season.
It happened again in the mid 70s, although it wasn’t quite so dramatic.
Unofficially, the Arrows (that’s what we used to call them - not the Reds), are the only RAF unit which can sack its own boss.
ExMM
FB
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Originally Posted by brianj
Always admired the Arrows over many years. Unfortunately after reading press accounts of this apparent debacle I sadly have to say that should the Government decide we can no longer afford them then I would be saddened but not devastated. To not be able to perform a 9 ship team is totally disappointing and an embarrassment for both the RAF &UK. The resources required have, in recent years, been repaid in global pride and esteem whilst inspiring potential recruits (albeit not it seems of the required ethnic quota). In the current economic crisis there are probably many who feel the money could be spent in more needy areas. Can anyone put forward the argument they deserve to continue to exist or could we have 2 more Wedgetails instead? Personally would like both!!
