For many years it was thought that excessive G would damage internal structures more on women pilots. General sexism was rife and women were considered unsuitable pilots because they menstruated and could have children. I remember seing comments about breasts weighing excessivley on the chest in high-G environments. No extra G was experienced between men;s legs!

The research was not known because they would not allow women to fly front-line fast jets. BUT some women were flying aerobatics in competition on prop, high performance aircraft and, as more women managed to get into the cockpit of commercial airlines (where they faced terrible sexism early on and conditions), attitudes changed. Women had bee in space and had strted getting accepted on Astronaut training. It became recognised that many female pilots were better than male counterparts as, not only had they had to deal with all the extra sexism and pressures that brought about, but they were almost tested to destruction when being checked out. Thankfully, while some sexism still exists, women are now treated far more favourably in the aviation industry generally. They are still vastly under represented in some areas though.

To be a Red Arrow you have had to be a fast jet pilot and served a couple of tours on a front line Squadron, so that was not possible at one point. Many have been instructors on various aircraft too. When women were first allowed into flight training in the RAF I think they were only allowed to fly low performance type aircraft, transports and helicopters. There are still not that many front line fast jet female pilots so getting to be one in the Rec Arrows really is a pinacle of achievement not just for the male pilots but certainly any female.

It's fantastic in reality. I wish this lady well but, not only that, I think it will be excellent as a recruitment tool for the RAF to show that women are appreciated and can have a career with them. They have for some time but this is 'in your face' proof. I cannot wait for next season and, for the future, maybe she will be able to be a Red Arrows leader!

Reds are Go!

:-)

mp