§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the establishment of pilots is in the RAF; how many are in post; and if he will make a statement. [131408]
342W
§ Mr. SpellarThe position on 1 June 2000 was as follows:
Requirement1 Trained strength Surplus/deficit Pilots-All Ranks 2,338 2,210 -128 Junior Officer Pilot2 1,496 1,404 -92 1 The requirement figure is the usual baseline against which the RAF measures shortfalls or surpluses and includes non-flying posts for which aircrew experience and knowledge are required. The majority of these non-flying posts require senior officers. 2 Flight Lieutenant (and Squadron Leader specialist aircrew) and below, included in the all ranks total. Junior Officer Pilot is the RAF's most critical manning category.