RAF Hawk jets cleared to fly again

26 August 2011

Royal Air Force Hawk T1 jets have been cleared to fly again after being grounded following an accident which left a Red Arrows pilot dead.

Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, 33, died after his Hawk crash landed in a field near Bournemouth airport following a display on 20 August.

The Military Aviation Authority is now investigating the cause of the crash, but it is understood the Red Arrows will now train in an eight-aircraft formation with a view to resuming aerial displays later this year.

The Red Arrows Hawks grounded at Bournemouth airport have undergone routine maintenance while they were unable to fly, but are now set to return to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

A Royal Air Force spokesman said: "Having been assured of the airworthiness of the Hawk T1 fleet, the precautionary suspension of flying activity has been lifted and flying operations have been resumed.

"In preparation for the resumption of public displays the Red Arrows will begin flying eight ship formation display practices starting on 30 August.

"Display flying by the Red Arrows team, in an eight ship formation, will recommence subject to a successful period of consolidation and approval to display."