Spanish Air Force suspends aerobatic displays by Patrulla Aguila

[Flightline Uk]

From El Pais (and Google Translate)

The Air Force has decided to cancel the acrobatic exhibitions of the Eagle Patrol after the three air accidents that have occurred within a period of six months at the General Air Academy, in San Javier (Murcia), according to Defense sources. The decision will not affect the air parades in formation that the patrol carries out painting the flag of Spain in the sky with colored smoke, such as the one that will be held on May 30 in Huesca on the occasion of Armed Forces Day, but it will affect the acrobatic exhibitions in which he participates every summer both in Spain and abroad.

Investigators have so far found no technical problems with the C-101 aircraft, two of whose aircraft crashed in front of La Manga on August 26 and February 27, despite being 40 years old. In fact, the Air Force maintains its fleet of this model in flight, consisting of almost 60 aircraft, for the instruction of its future pilots.

However, the death of Commander Eduardo Garvalena, for reasons not yet clarified, has left the Eagle Patrol without one of its key figures: the Solo or point 5, which performs the most risky tricks and takes the plane to the limit of its capabilities. . This is such a delicate position that those who occupy it personally instruct their successors. However, Garvalena's predecessor was Commander Francisco Marín, also deceased in August, which has left the Eagle Patrol without the possibility or time to search for a relief.

In addition, the Air Force is going to review the training plans of the Eagle Patrol and, in particular, the workload of its pilots. Unlike in other countries, the pilots of the Spanish patrol must combine their demanding preparation for aeronautical exhibitions with their teaching work as teachers in San Javier. The possibility of suspending the exhibition season, which runs from May to October, coinciding with the school holidays at the military academy, had been under consideration in recent days, according to Abc.

[RyanS]

However, the death of Commander Eduardo Garvalena, for reasons not yet clarified, has left the Eagle Patrol without one of its key figures: the Solo or point 5, which performs the most risky tricks and takes the plane to the limit of its capabilities. . This is such a delicate position that those who occupy it personally instruct their successors. However, Garvalena's predecessor was Commander Francisco Marín, also deceased in August, which has left the Eagle Patrol without the possibility or time to search for a relief.

Very interesting, I guess they will have to reinvent the position if they start shows up again.