Red Arrows pilot 'grounded by grief'

05 March 2012

A Red Arrows pilot is to be reassigned to a ground role for several months amid reports that the recent deaths of two colleagues have had an "adverse effect" on her.

Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Stewart, 33, who flies as Red 9 in the display team, became the first ever female Red Arrows pilot in 2009.

A report in The Sun said that she is to be reassigned to another role within the RAF for up to six months, although there is no suggestion that any disciplinary action is involved.

The move is reportedly a result of the loss of two colleagues in 2011. Flt Lt Jon Egging died following a display at Bournemouth Airport on 20 August last year, and Flt Lt Sean Cunningham died after his ejection seat fired on the runway at RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire, in November.

An unnamed 'defence source' told the newspaper: ''Not many people outside of the Red Arrows will understand the pressure and busy schedule that the team endure through a normal season. These factors have been exacerbated by the tragic events of 2011.

''This has had an adverse effect on Kirsty and has resulted in the Royal Air Force deciding that it would be more appropriate for the individual and the service if Kirsty is reassigned.''

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ''The Red Arrows will conduct aerobatic displays with seven aircraft rather than the usual nine in 2012 due to the unavoidable posting of one of their pilots.

"With safety paramount, but the quality of the displays vitally important, it has been decided that seven aircraft presents the most visually balanced and dynamic formation.

"The team will still carry out official flypasts with nine aircraft. The Red Arrows will return to a full aerobatic formation of nine aircraft in 2013."