Closeness of aerobatic displays to residential areas poses the wrong question in assuming them to be inherently dangerous (Report, 27 August). The real question is whether their spectacular purpose is to present particular aircraft or dramatic manoeuvres. If the former, then flights should be restricted to little more than flypasts. If the latter, then aircraft should be those specifically designed for competitive aerobatics. There should be a specified section within airworthiness certification for advanced aerobatics – not necessarily a priority for such strike fighter trainers as the Hunter T7.
There is also a difference between choreographed displays such as those by the RAF’s Red Arrows and seemingly impromptu solo stunts; the latter causing Douglas Bader’s loss of legs some 80 years ago. Then there is the perpetual question of the physical ability of even very experienced pilots to recover from gravitational stresses of high-speed aerobatics – particularly at low altitudes. The altitude of performances – with some time and space for correction – could be a more critical factor than environment.
Ralph Gee
Nottingham
• Banning old-fashioned aircraft from performing in air shows is not the answer. No air display, no matter how up to date the planes, should be anywhere near any road. They must be restricted to the countryside where they can fly only over fields, or over the sea, away from the beaches. It is a nonsense to claim that the UK has excellent safety precautions, as allowing aircraft to perform near crowds and near roads, where just the distraction for drivers is enough to know it is dangerous, obviously proves otherwise. Many of those killed did not make the choice to accept the dangers of going to an air display. They lost their lives due to the inability of others to see the dangers.
Petrina Stevens
Sherington, Buckinghamshire
• I am surprised that there has been no mention in the media that the Shoreham jet crashed a short distance from the Swanwick London Area Control Centre, a major civilian air traffic control installation
employing over 1,000 staff. How is it that the Civil Aviation Authority allowed air displays with such inherent risks near this site?
Christopher Nash
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
