Shoreham Airshow organisers have defended their safety record – as police warn the final death toll from the disaster could reach 20.
Eleven people are so far feared to have died when a Hawker Hunter jet plummeted on to the A27 after it failed to pull out of a loop manoeuvre during an aerial display.
The Royal Air Forces Association said safety standards at air displays in Britain “are among the very highest in the world”.
It added: “All air display arrangements, including the pilots and aircraft, must meet rigorous safety requirements and are regularly reviewed to ensure they provide the highest possible levels of protection.
“At Shoreham we have always taken those safety arrangements very seriously.”
The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) imposes strict safety regulations, and the team at Shoreham “have many years of experience in running airshows throughout the UK”.
It added: “The airshow itself has to meet rigorous safety standards that are laid down by the CAA, who review these on an ongoing basis.”
The RAFA also confirmed it was only decided last month that the pilot Andy Hill would steer the plane.
Mr Hill, who is a highly experienced pilot, is now fighting for his life in hospital following the crash.
The organisation said: “Two highly-experienced pilots (both with current Civil Aviation Authority display authorisations) regularly displayed the aircraft in question.
“They shared their airshow commitments between them and it was entirely routine that a change from one to the other was made – and this decision was made over a month ago.
“The pilot flying the Hunter on Saturday had displayed at last year’s Shoreham Airshow.”
RAFA said it is giving “every assistance” to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) which is probing what caused the crash, but warned the investigation “will take some considerable time”.
It added: “We would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and other agencies involved for their work at this distressing time.”