§ Mrs. BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances the instrument flying qualifications of Army helicopter pilots are recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority. [23942]
§ Dr. ReidThe CAA recognises the training given to Service helicopter pilots, which, after qualification, permits military helicopters to fly in most civil controlled zones. Once they have left the Services, helicopter pilots who wish to obtain a civil licence, must re-test to gain the appropriate CAA qualification.
§ Mrs. BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training to fly, using instruments in bad weather conditions, helicopter pilots receive. [23937]
§ Dr. ReidInstrument flying training for potential helicopter pilots starts at the Joint Elementary Flying Training School where about five and one half hours of instrument training is given. Helicopter pilots then receive 23 hours of theoretical, simulator and flying training at474W the Defence Helicopter Flying School, RAF Shawbury. After instrument flying qualification, helicopter pilots receive further instrument training on particular helicopter types at respective Service training squadrons. Indicative examples are as follows:
Simulator Actual flying Royal Navy Sea King ASW 9 hours 9 hours 15 mins Army Lynx 7 hours 6 hours 12 mins Royal Air Force Chinook 11 hour 3 hours 30 mins Thereafter, all military helicopter pilots undertake regular further training and are tested every 12 to 13 months on a common tri-Service instrument rating.