HC Deb 05 August 1971 vol 822 cc1837-8
29. Mr. Adley

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the maximum age at which Royal Air Force pilots fly supersonic aircraft.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Air Force (Mr. Antony Lambton)

There is no medical reason why pilots should not fly supersonic aircraft up to the age of retirement (55). But in practice, for reasons other than age, very few Royal Air Force pilots are required to fly supersonic aircraft beyond the age of 45.

Mr. Adley

I am grateful for that reply because it confirms what I have long believed—that there is no need for feeling that supersonic flight is in any way weird and wonderful.