§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current average period for completion of fast jet training. [20226]
§ Mr. SoamesA qualified fast jet pilot needs to complete successfully three main stages of fast jet training before being deployed to an operational flying squadron. The average length of time it currently takes for a new pilot to progress through the flying training stages is 259 weeks which is longer than usual due to a backlog of pilots in training. From the end of 1996, however, the backlog should have been resolved and the current planned cycle for a new pilot starting training now, will be on average 109 weeks. This includes six weeks of breaks between courses and is dependent on pilot capability, weather and the operational conversion aircraft or course required.
The main stages, aircraft employed and the minimum flying hours/weeks are as follows:
Main stages Aircraft employed Minimum flying hours/weeks Basic flying training Tucano 120 hours/42 weeks Advanced training and tactics Hawk 103 hours/33 weeks Operational conversion Various fast jets 188–129 hours/22 weeks 1 Average.