§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions are given to Royal Air Force commanders concerning the frequency with which the self-authorising status of aircrew under their command must be reviewed; and what formal examination or test is conducted to assess the suitability of aircrew to retain self-authorising status. [1279]
§ Mr. SoamesThe self-authorising status of aircrew is approved by the station commander of each flying unit. There are no specific instructions concerning the frequency with which this must be reviewed, nor is any formal test conducted specifically to assess the aircrew's suitability to retain the status. However, all aircrew undergo a continual assessment of their ability to perform their duties including, where appropriate, their suitability to retain self-authorising status.