Squadron Leader Mike Ling will fly in the Red 3 position for the Red Arrows 2018 season while his colleague Flight Lieutenant David Stark recovers from injuries sustained in the crash at RAF Valley last month.
As previously reported, Flight Lt Stark was discharged from hospital a few weeks ago after the crash at the base in Anglesey in March, where engineer Corporal Jonathan Bayliss tragically lost his life.
Squadron leader Ling is a qualified Hawk T1 pilot and among the most experienced Red Arrows pilots having completed nine seasons with the team.
Flight Lieutenant David Stark joined the Red Arrows in 2017. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The Scampton-based Red Arrows acrobatic team are preparing for a packed summer display in the 100th anniversary year of the RAF, and Squadron Leader Ling will enable the trademark nine aircraft formation to happen.
Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Careful consideration was given in making the decision to bring in a pilot to the Red 3 position.
“As the squadron recovers from the tragic loss of a colleague, the on-going convalescence of Flt Lt Stark and the safe operation of the Red Arrows is paramount for us.
“The decision will also allow the most visually-appealing solution for the 2018 season and maintain the Red Arrows’ famous Diamond Nine shape.”
Jonathan-Bayliss was on the Circus team – the small group of highly-trained engineers who travel with the aircraft and provide technical support to the Red Arrows when the aircraft operate away from their home base.
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Villagers in Fiskerton remain cautious yet optimistic in the face of potential flooding, a month after they were advised to evacuate following a considerable amount of rainfall.
Several residents have continued to vigilantly monitor the River Witham’s water levels, prepared with sandbags outside their homes as a precaution after Storm Babet damaged two sections of the riverbank. But, despite the looming threat, there is a prevailing sense of confidence among the community, suggesting that further flooding is unlikely.
News that a £165,000 improvement project on the Handley Monument in Sleaford will commence early next year has been supported by local residents, who feel it is a much needed addition to the town centre, but it hasn’t come without its fair share of criticism.
North Kesteven District Council unveiled its plans for the historic Handley Monument in Sleaford, with a view to improving the surrounding area and also lighting up the monument to attract more attention to its role in the town’s history.
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