Get well soon Lingy, we need you at the airshows!

In terms of what's going to happen for the upcoming display season, well it couldn't have happened at a worse time! The display has been choreographed and these exercises in Crete and Cyprus are intended to fine-tune the display and practice all the routines (flat, rolling, full and a combination) day after day with continuity with the good weather that is present in the Med. I'm guessing Mike will be out of action for a few weeks anyway so it may set the training back somewhat.

What will probably happen is that the team fly an 8-ship with Monty doing some solo passes when it's time for synchro. Then some intensive out-of-season practices for the first few weeks to get the 2 up to speed again. The team often practice displays with a 'missing man' to cover for illness etc so this shouldn't be too hard. Luckily Mike isn't tooo badly injured but if he was, I don't think they'd bring in a replacement as the team are too far through training to get the new man up to scratch. Previous incidents have occured in October through to January which just about gives the newbie time to get up to standard especially if he's an ex team member.

Another fact often overlooked is the fact that the Reds had 13 Hawks. One is now no more! Monty's XX253 is crocked and will need some serious repair and I don't know about the status of XX227 (which had been undergoing repairs for a lightning strike which occured in Gibraltar last September). If that's still in maintenance, that only leaves 10 hawks for them. Usually one or two are in maintenance throughout the display season and if you get one or two breakdowns, then they are going to be rather short of serviceable aircraft. Remember XX325 which crashed on delivery to Cranwell a year or so back? That's another one that didn't make it. I'm thinking they may have to bring in one or two aircraft from storage at Shawbury and have them converted quickly.

Oh and they only took 10 hawks to Crete/Cyprus anyway so are now down to 8. If Monty is rearing to go again, then they'll have to ferry one or two from the UK sharpish.

Hope the team recovers and wows the crowds this year. Best of luck :ok:

P.S. Which aircraft was Lingy flying?

video posted
 

video posted on bbc website. Not the best quality though.

BBC News - New Red Arrows crash footage emerges

Like been sayed before just so glad the pilot is well and getting checked out ,
machines can be replaced , the soft spongy thing in the seat is wot counts .
The good will thats generated with these guys must keep them the going !

Here's hoping for a speedy recovery Lingy. Thoughts are with you, Baz, and the rest of the team. Good luck for pulling it together for the next few weeks, and the rest of the season. You can do it - Best of British (and a bit of Kiwi!)

Scary video - did well to get out! The other jet looked like it bottomed out pretty low as well :uhoh: