ziplex Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 The Red Arrows were over our way the weekend (Balloon Fiesta), I stayed at home watching them skim over the roof tops , the mrs and daughter walked around to the A38 green for a better view and she took this.....loads of others but I thought it was great I took a few, this was one of the better ones.......shame the file size has to be so small, They really do come low during the display, even the spaniel ducked on a few occasions, not sure why it looks like they're under water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 I remember seeing them at an air show back in the 80's. Absolutely brilliant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKD Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 Nice pic's zip They flew over me in mid kent sunday morning Must have been on their way to you Quite low too :yp: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 Seen them buzzing over Portsmouth dock yard a few years ago I believe one of the pilots is a lumpy jumper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendersons Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 Seen them buzzing over Portsmouth dock yard a few years ago I believe one of the pilots is a lumpy jumper While working near the riat this year one of the real nerdy sorts started telling me how red 4 was a woman pilot and how she is so much better than some of the male pilots. She never makes a mistake so i piped up with yeah she's amazing in the air but she can't park the thing. I got a decent chuckle from some of the crowd that had been having to listen to this guys commentary (twaddle) for hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 While working near the riat this year one of the real nerdy sorts started telling me how red 4 was a woman pilot and how she is so much better than some of the male pilots. She never makes a mistake so i piped up with yeah she's amazing in the air but she can't park the thing. I got a decent chuckle from some of the crowd that had been having to listen to this guys commentary (twaddle) for hours. Like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 While working near the riat this year one of the real nerdy sorts started telling me how red 4 was a woman pilot and how she is so much better than some of the male pilots. She never makes a mistake so i piped up with yeah she's amazing in the air but she can't park the thing. I got a decent chuckle from some of the crowd that had been having to listen to this guys commentary (twaddle) for hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88b Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 photobucket is your friend, lost some of the quality but it's a good pic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodcock11 Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 These are really great photos - I remember them flying out of RAF Kemble in the late 1960s - I was beating on the Bathurst Estate whilst a student at RAC Cirencester - at about 11.30 on - I think - a January morning, we heard an almighty crash in the distance and then saw smoke on the horizon - we later learned that two Hawk jets had crashed - RIP Subsequently, I next saw the Red Arrows doing a display over Bangor Bay in Northern Ireland in I think around 1996 - Me & the children were very lucky to have been invited up Helens Tower on a nearby Estate [it has been replicated on the Somme in France as a memorial to the 36 Ulster Divsion in World War 1] and we truly had a cockpit's eye view of the Red Arrows - after the display - our day was truly made when one of the Hawks peeled off and "beat up" Helens Tower where we standing - it skimmed the tower literally feet away - and we were just so thankful that such skilled pilots are on our side. Wow wow wow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruno22rf Posted August 16, 2011 Report Share Posted August 16, 2011 Am I the only one who thinks that they are a waste of money? What purpose do they serve?If its an aid to recruitment then what a sham-we have a tiny Airforce with out-dated a/c and with stations being closed daily and pilots being laid off.At least the American display teams are combat trained and can be converted back to fighting status in a matter of days-the only use for the arrows in combat would be to block roads and cause a tailback.Its time we woke up to the fact that if most European countries wanted to invade us we could do little but bend over and take it.Decades of politics have raped the RAF of its ability to defend our shores-when will the general public realise that we need to dramatically increase spending on protecting our backsides and not on painting the sky pretty colours in obsolete aircraft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr W Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 (edited) What rubbish. Edited to be less provocative as there's no need to insult each other. Dear Sir, I disagree with your assessment of the Red Arrows but I respect your right to make such comments. Regards Edited August 17, 2011 by Dr W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan-250 Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 I'm only down the road from scampton see them all the time, there great when you work nights sometimes, not, but I've met a few of the pilots , there a good laugh in the pub. And yes 1 of them is a girl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 I have seen them a few times over the years, so went didn't get that excited about them being at RIAT as there were loads of other teams from all over the world. Well, it is fairly obvious why they put there display on last, even after all these years they are head and shoulders above any of the other display teams, absolute precision :thumbs: Have a look at these pictures if you want to see it for yourself (not mine I hasten to add) http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=RIAT+2011&s=int Am I the only one who thinks that they are a waste of money? Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 What rubbish. Sadly, unfortunately, it's not. With a couple of possible exceptions - the main one being the combat readiness of the air and ground crews - it's pretty much telling it as it is: A decline in capability which started in earnest in the early 70s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr W Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 My comments were aimed mainly at 1. the fact that the pilots are combat trained and have to have served on the front line before a 3 year tour with Red Arrows. 2. what european country is likely to attack us? 3. An airforce the size of what it was is not needed in modern times 4. They are not a waste of money and a great spectacle to watch at UK events, an ambassador of the RAF but not necessarily a recruitment tool, I like to watch them doesn't make me want to sign up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markws80 Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 (edited) Seen them buzzing over Portsmouth dock yard a few years ago I believe one of the pilots is a lumpy jumper SHE IS Kirsty and is red 5 Kirsty flew the Tornado GR4 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Age – 33 Education - Kirsty attended Stamford High School in Lincolnshire, before studying for her Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London. She joined the London University Air Squadron and was awarded a final year cadetship from the Royal Air Force. Career - Joined the Royal Air Force in 1998. Following flying training Kirsty became a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) for three years on the HawkT1 at Royal Air Force Valley. She then completed weapons training on 19 (F) Squadron and was posted to the Tornado GR4. On completion of the Operational Conversion Unit at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, she was posted to XIII Squadron at Royal Air Force Marham. During her three years on this Squadron, Kirsty completed two operational tours in Iraq as part of Operation TELIC – flying up to eight hour missions in support of the British, American and Iraqi ground forces. She also took part in exercises in America, Canada and Germany as well as continuing her role as a front line QFI. This is her second year with the Red Arrows. Background - Kirsty was born at Royal Air Force Nocton Hall, Lincolnshire, and grew up in nearby Coleby. Kirsty’s desire to join the Royal Air Force grew from spending some of her school holidays with her father on 27 Squadron at Royal Air Force Marham, where she enjoyed the experience of watching the aircrew planning and flying their sorties and the camaraderie on the Squadron. Edited August 17, 2011 by markws80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 I've seen loads of display teams and the Red Arrows are the best in the world in my opinion. They must make money being hired out all over the world where they display, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit like the royal family - like them or not it seems they're profitable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatcatsplat Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 Saw them about 15 years ago - We were in Yorkshire coming down off Ingleborough and they were a good 300 feet below us - Very exciting to watch!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrispti Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 G SHE IS Kirsty and is red 5 Kirsty flew the Tornado GR4 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Age – 33 Education - Kirsty attended Stamford High School in Lincolnshire, before studying for her Masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London. She joined the London University Air Squadron and was awarded a final year cadetship from the Royal Air Force. Career - Joined the Royal Air Force in 1998. Following flying training Kirsty became a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) for three years on the HawkT1 at Royal Air Force Valley. She then completed weapons training on 19 (F) Squadron and was posted to the Tornado GR4. On completion of the Operational Conversion Unit at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth, she was posted to XIII Squadron at Royal Air Force Marham. During her three years on this Squadron, Kirsty completed two operational tours in Iraq as part of Operation TELIC – flying up to eight hour missions in support of the British, American and Iraqi ground forces. She also took part in exercises in America, Canada and Germany as well as continuing her role as a front line QFI. This is her second year with the Red Arrows. Background - Kirsty was born at Royal Air Force Nocton Hall, Lincolnshire, and grew up in nearby Coleby. Kirsty’s desire to join the Royal Air Force grew from spending some of her school holidays with her father on 27 Squadron at Royal Air Force Marham, where she enjoyed the experience of watching the aircrew planning and flying their sorties and the camaraderie on the Squadron. Very impressive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziplex Posted August 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 G Very impressive .........and leaves absolutely no doubt there's a 'lumpy jumper' amongst them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlistairB Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 I've seen loads of display teams and the Red Arrows are the best in the world in my opinion. They must make money being hired out all over the world where they display, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit like the royal family - like them or not it seems they're profitable. They do create a net profit but not to the RAF always, more through promoting and selling british engineering etc, thats the main point of their overseas tours. The Gulf states tours do create an income for the RAF as they sell the skills of the RAF and Saudi etc send a lot their pilots through RAF training which they pay for directly. If you want them to do something for you, they will always try to oblige and usually for a donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund. They will often do flybys etc on their way to or from other displays if timings and routes allow for it. http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/ AB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted August 17, 2011 Report Share Posted August 17, 2011 Cheers, interesting stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SXPhil Posted August 20, 2011 Report Share Posted August 20, 2011 One has crashed at the Bournmouth Airshow :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted August 20, 2011 Report Share Posted August 20, 2011 One has crashed at the Bournmouth Airshow :( First I've heard of it. Hope he stepped out with no back problem. Anyone having a jolly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berties Posted August 20, 2011 Report Share Posted August 20, 2011 First I've heard of it. Hope he stepped out with no back problem. Anyone having a jolly? first reports are he is fine,my eldest is down there and has text me a few times about it this afternoon,reporters are unable to get close due to mod lockdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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