§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air (1) whether any alterations have been made in the supernumerary time at controls, which it is 49W necessary for a pilot to do before taking command of an Empire flying-boat; and, if so, when these alterations were made and for what reason;
(2) whether there exist any British commercial machines in which an experienced professional B-licensed pilot must fly in the capacity of a second pilot before he can obtain the necessary endorsement on his licence to enable him to fly in command of these machines; and, if so, whether he will state which type of machines are so affected?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThere is no regulation which requires a Class "B" pilot to fly in the capacity of second pilot on a particular type of aircraft before his licence can be endorsed with permission to fly in command of that type. A pilot is required to produce evidence of his ability to fly the particular type which he desires should be endorsed on his licence and for this purpose certain certificates must be furnished signed by a person qualified to fly that particular type and in addition a technical examination is required.
In 1931 provision was made in the Air Navigation Order permitting a duly licensed Class "B" pilot to fly, under the direct supervision of the pilot, types of aircraft not endorsed on his licence, for the purpose of gaining the necessary flying experience to qualify for the endorsement of his licence.