Tornados to fly again as RAF lifts ban

The RAF has lifted a ban on non-essential flying in Tornado attack jets imposed after the death of a Red Arrows pilot.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Nov 2011, 06:00 BST

Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, 35, was killed after being ejected from his Hawk T1 while on the ground at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire on November 8.

All but vital flights in aircraft fitted with Martin Baker Mk 10 ejection seats were suspended while air accident officials investigated.

The RAF announced yesterday that all Tornado GR4 flying can resume, but the ban remains in place for Hawk T1, Hawk T2 and Tucano aircraft.

An MoD spokesman said: “The RAF is still reviewing other available evidence regarding Hawk T1, Hawk T2 and Tucano.”