§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the full cost of training (a) a "fast jet" pilot, (b) a senior RAF engineer officer, and (c) the most highly skilled senior non-commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy.
§ Mr. Wellbeloved, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 19th May 1978; Vol. 950, c. 349], gave the following answer:
The cost up to "wings" standard—the end of advanced flying training—is about £350,000. Before joining his first squadron, the fast jet pilot will then undertake tactical weapon and operational conversion training, so that the final cost will be in the region of £1 million.
The cost of training a senior RAF engineer officer and a highly skilled senior NCO would vary so much depending on the background and career pattern of the officer or SNCO concerned that no generally applicable figure of costs can be given.