Pilots (Flying Time) (Hansard, 4 November 1980)

§ Mr. Hardy
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average monthly allocation of flying time currently arranged for Royal Air Force pilots serving in operational squadrons; and 532W if he considers the present allocation to be such as to maintain high standards of performance.

§ Mr. Pattie
Flying rates for Royal Air Force aircrew vary depending on aircraft type and role. I am satisfied that current rates are sufficient to maintain a high standard of performance.

§ Mr. Hardy
asked the Secretary of State for Defence when present restrictions on flying hours for operational squadron pilots of the Royal Air Force were introduced; what is the average number of hours now flown per week by such pilots; and if these instructions mean that aircraft are flown at well below maximum performance levels.

§ Mr. Pattie
Certain temporary reductions in activity levels were introduced in October in order to achieve economies in fuel. This has not resulted in aircraft being flown at lower performance levels. As regards average flying rates, these vary depending on aircraft type and role, as I have already said in answer to an earlier question by the hon. Member.

§ Mr. Hardy
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the present restrictions in flying hours for operational squadrons of the Royal Air Force mean that human and material resources are under-utilised.

§ Mr. Pattie
The current rates of flying for operational squadrons, in terms of the utilisation of both human and material resources, are not inadequate and will maintain operational effectiveness.

§ Mr. Hardy
asked the Secretary of State for Defence what flying hours restrictions are imposed upon pilots of operational squadrons of the Royal Air Force: and by how much the present permitted flying hours exceed those which are regarded as the minimum necessary for the maintenance of adequate skill and practice.

§ Mr. Pattie
The effects of the temporary reductions in activity levels introduced in October vary depending on aircraft type and role. Minimum operational standards and the flying rates necessary to maintain them are regularly reviewed and updated. Currently authorised flying hours are in all cases sufficient to maintain operational effectiveness.