Another airshow plane crash!

Oberon · 08-25-15, 09:29 PM

Honestly...we pretty much are, I mean this is the first time in 62 years that something like this has happened...not that you'd think this given some of the medias hysterics about it. The CAA has very strict guidelines about how aircraft are maintained, and the pilots that fly them have to also pass strict tests. I think in this instance a mistake was made somewhere down the line, be it mechanical or human, and a tragedy occurred.
Of course, in this day and age there is no such thing as an 'accident' any more.

Anyway, the CAA have banned elderly aircraft from doing performances over land now, seaside airshows aren't affected, but land shows will just feature standard flypasts. Which is better than nothing, I'll admit, and a good temporary measure while the AAIB get their report together.

On a slightly more selfish note, I imagine this tragedy will have put to bed any thoughts the XH558 team had of pulling a roll in the Vulcan over the sea before her retirement. Such a shame, as I bet she could have done it just fine.

And a closing thought about the CAAs decision...what qualifies as an elderly aircraft? The Hawks that the Red Arrows fly aren't exactly spring chickens, nor are the Sea Kings that have only just gone out of service for the Search and Rescue forces...and let's face it, the Canberra only stopped flying for the RAF in 2009. I, personally, don't think the aircrafts age is an issue, a well maintained craft can last for decades with no problems, and should a problem develop then it's usually quickly identified and the aircraft grounded. But, equally, it's only a temporary decision, and one taken to placate the media no doubt while the AAIB has a chance to conduct its investigation. The ban can be rescinded when the media are off chasing some other blood trail.

08-25-15, 09:29 PM	#37
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	Honestly...we pretty much are, I mean this is the first time in 62 years that something like this has happened...not that you'd think this given some of the medias hysterics about it. The CAA has very strict guidelines about how aircraft are maintained, and the pilots that fly them have to also pass strict tests. I think in this instance a mistake was made somewhere down the line, be it mechanical or human, and a tragedy occurred. Of course, in this day and age there is no such thing as an 'accident' any more. Anyway, the CAA have banned elderly aircraft from doing performances over land now, seaside airshows aren't affected, but land shows will just feature standard flypasts. Which is better than nothing, I'll admit, and a good temporary measure while the AAIB get their report together. On a slightly more selfish note, I imagine this tragedy will have put to bed any thoughts the XH558 team had of pulling a roll in the Vulcan over the sea before her retirement. Such a shame, as I bet she could have done it just fine. And a closing thought about the CAAs decision...what qualifies as an elderly aircraft? The Hawks that the Red Arrows fly aren't exactly spring chickens, nor are the Sea Kings that have only just gone out of service for the Search and Rescue forces...and let's face it, the Canberra only stopped flying for the RAF in 2009. I, personally, don't think the aircrafts age is an issue, a well maintained craft can last for decades with no problems, and should a problem develop then it's usually quickly identified and the aircraft grounded. But, equally, it's only a temporary decision, and one taken to placate the media no doubt while the AAIB has a chance to conduct its investigation. The ban can be rescinded when the media are off chasing some other blood trail.