What happens if one of the pilots is unable to fly?
If one of the pilots goes sick during the display season, or for any other reason is not able to fly, the Team is able to fly an 8-ship formation. There are no reserve pilots for safety reasons; one spare pilot could not possibly learn all nine positions to the standard required. The pilots always fly in the same position within the formation and it takes an intensive six-month training programme for each pilot to become thoroughly proficient at flying in his position. If the Team fly with one aircraft missing, the Team Leader will adjust the positions of the other pilots to achieve the most pleasing visual effect. Various ‘missing men’ formations are routinely practised during the winter training season.
