§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the times and the days that training flights have been undertaken from RAF St. Athan indicating the land bearings below the airspace used for training. [25418]
§ Mr. SoamesThree types of flying training are undertaken from RAF St. Athan:
- (a) Elementary flying training for the members of University of Wales university air squadron using Bulldog aircraft.
- (b) Air experience flying for air cadets using Bulldog aircraft.
- (c) Air experience and training for air cadets using gliders.
The station is also used as a forward operating base for Hawk aircraft from RAF Valley using the Pembrey range for advanced fast jet training.
Hawk aircraft flying takes place during the station's normal hours of operation which are 0830 to 1700 hours Monday to Thursday and 0830 to 1600 hours on Fridays. Bulldog aircraft and gliders also operate outside of these hours during the summer months and at weekends throughout the year.
Training flights use much of the available airspace. Details of land bearings and the specific time and date for flights could be provided only at disproportionate cost.