[alisasny]

If I am not mistaken 7 jets are brought to a show in case one malfunctions but there are only 6 pilots, no alternates.

[Pukin Dog]

The Blues actually have 8 flying Hornets at every show.

#8 is a two seater, used to give media rides in each city where they visit. They select one TV, one Print and one Radio reporter for the ride of their life, after the Friday afternoon practice flights. They do NOT have any substitute pilots. They will fly with a slot missing instead of replacing a pilot, because the unit must train as a team to know each others habits in the air.

#7 is used to visit sites ahead of the rest of the team to perform logistics for the demonstrations.