The incidence rate of fatal accidents in the Blue Angels and other demonstration teams is disturbingly high — certainly well above the casualty rate in the rest of US military aviation. Sending our best pilots into combat when national security demands it is one thing, but asking these highly dedicated (and expensively trained) pilots to undertake these hazards for entertainment and PR purposes strikes me as wasteful of human life and even an insult to military aviators who already risk so much for us. Why should these guys be putting their lives on the line so I can enjoy a cool show?
Flame away.
“The incidence rate of fatal accidents in the Blue Angels and other demonstration teams is disturbingly high — certainly well above the casualty rate in the rest of US military aviation.”
Of course, you DO have statistics or a source to back up such outrageous accusations?
No? I thought not!
An insult? It appears you know very little of the reality of the matter, let alone the character of military aviators/warriors poised to risk everything at a moment's notice for the rest of us.
Such risk, taken on our behalf, demands the highest skills. The Blue Angels demonstrate for the rest of that community the skill levels attainable and the rest of us are proud to watch.
Strongly recommend you find time to read and think about the response in the link from a former aviator.
Heheh, no need for flames. Just step over here behind this jet blast deflector...
You should probably ask your question of the pilots, the support crews (who do this on weekends and holidays) and the vast majority of people who watch.
You would likely get some good (and interesting) responses that explain the military perspective on these things as well as the attitudes of people who don't live in Seattle...which is most of us.
Of course, given that Boeing builds them and is based in Seattle, even the liberals living there who aren't brain dead might like seeing them too...:)
U r not worth a flame
Why not perform 6’ apart instead of ….6”
Still be a great show!
I don’t think those who fly with the Angels, or the Thunderbirds, are *drafted*, *conscripted*, or forced in any way to join the team.
From documentaries I’ve seen, and articles I’ve read, it is thought an honor to fly with these teams. They only accept the best, of the best applicants.
Most of this objection is from military haters and the cowards who were never in the service.
I wasn’t a pilot, but I was in the Air Force (long ago), and one of the things I was most proud of was our “Thunderbirds”. They are wonderful representatives of the machines and training of America’s armed forces, and I hope they keep flying forever.
More people in Chicago are killed in a weekend than are killed flying with the Thunderbirds, or Angels.
Stop clutching your pearls and wringing your hands, and worrying about people who have nothing to do you. If you can’t stand the military, join the Peace Corps and transfer to darkest Africa where there are very few planes at all.
You people bitch, just to hear yourselves bitch.
Your so full of shit you dont know up from down. Exactly what are the accident statistics for aerial demonstration teams? Well, we’re waiting for you reply.
Your so full of shit you dont know up from down. Exactly what are the accident statistics for aerial demonstration teams? Well, we’re waiting for you reply.
There is no need for these daredevil type airplane stunts.
I have been to great airshows. I have seen the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds etc. The dangerous stunt flying is totally unnecessary.