§ 27. Mr. Monroasked the President of the Board of Trade why he has increased the number of flying hours required for a private pilot's licence from 30 to 35.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuThe number of flying hours required is still 40 unless the applicant has satisfactorily undergone a course of approved training; in that case he must now have completed at least 35 hours. The increase from 30 to 35 was made to improve training and flying standards.
§ Mr. MonroDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that the modern tricycle undercarriage type of aircraft is very much easier to fly than the older type? Is it not an unreasonable imposition to make pilots pay another £40 to get their licences?
§ Mr. MallalieuSpeaking from personal experience, I have never flown either. However, we consulted the pilots, who agreed to this proposal.
§ 28. Mr. Monroasked the President of the Board of Trade for what reasons the medical examination for a private pilots' licence must in future be carried out by an authorised medical examiner and not by any medical practitioner.
§ Mr. J. P. W. MallalieuIt is desirable that medical certificates that give continuing validity to licences now issued for five years should be given by doctors who are knowledgeable about avaition medicine and the standards to be applied.
§ Mr. MonroWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that some pilots will have to travel long distances to see the authorised medical examiner? Has not he sufficient confidence in general practitioners to let them do this examination?
§ Mr. MallalieuGeneral practitioners do not necessarily have the experience and training required for the examination of pilots. This is a safety measure, and the amount of inconvenience is very slight.