Ruth---it was her SEX,dear, not her gender (a term used mainly in the field of English grammar,I believe).Anyway, well done to the lady who has now joined the Red Arrows,and I am sure that she will make a great success of her appointment.She is certainly dedicated to flying,having already served one if not two tours as a fast-jet,frontline (Tornados, I believe) pilot,and is married to a Royal Navy aviator currently serving at RAF Valley in Anglesey.
             Despite what the press said to the contrary,there were,in fact,many,many female pilots employed ,during WW2----admittedly not in combat situations,but certainly flying every type of fighter and bomber then used,but in the ferry / delivery role. I have always had the greatest of admiration for them.
    A recent Board of Enquiry has recently ascertained that a Royal Air Force "Puma" helicopter that crashed,causing multiple fatalities,was the direct result of the childishly stupid actions of the pilot and his accompanying Flight Sergeant,who were "buzzing" a cab-driver at low altitude,whilst playing loud music a la "Apocalypse Now" and yelling " YEEEEEHaaa" . I really can't imagine a female pilot doing THAT !