A senior RAF officer has raised concerns about pilot safety just days after a Hawk jet crashed in Cornwall. The squadron leader claims exhausted, ‘emotionally distressed’ instructors are flying too many hours while trainees are flying solo before they are ready. The crash prompted the senior instructor from 72 (Fighter) Squadron based at RAF Valley in North Wales to turn whistleblower. Last night the RAF confirmed it was seeking to address the issues raised by the senior officer. An RAF spokesman said: ‘The RAF encourages an open and honest safety culture and all personnel are encouraged to report any concerns.

Source: Daily Mail March 31, 2021 00:21 UTC