§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average number of hours flown by RAF fast jet pilots in each of the last three calendar years; and how many hours are funded for 1997. [16805]
§ Mr. SoamesThe information requested is shown. Funded hours are calculated on the basis of financial years; total funded hours per pilot for 1996–97 are therefore given.
Calendar year Aircraft type 1994 1995 1996 Funded in 1996–97 Harrier 203.25 210.89 212.18 232 Jaguar 225.53 201.21 189.89 222 Tornado F3 214.59 211.94 190.09 222 Tornado GR 224.36 222.35 212.93 222 Hawk: 100 Squadron only n/a n/a 291 280 The Hawk fleet is primarily used for fast jet pilot student training at RAF Valley. Hours flown by students and instructors are dependent on the length of the training programme. The figures shown above for Hawk refer only to 100 Squadron, which provides a target towing capability; data prior to 1996 are not readily available in the form requested and could be collated only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average number of hours flown per annum by Royal Navy Sea Harrier pilots in each of the last three calendar years; and how many hours are funded for 1997. [16804]
§ Mr. SoamesThe average annual number of hours flown per pilot by Royal Navy Sea Harrier pilots in each of the last three calendar years is as follows:
- 1994: 170 hours
- 1995: 160 hours
- 1996: 165 hours.
The funded level for financial year 1996–97 was 215 hours. The funded levels for 1997–98 have not yet been finalised.