§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what multi-engine pilot shortfalls were predicted at the 22 November 2000 meeting of the multi-engine aircrew Training Steering Committee. [2696]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 10 July 2001]: An unspecified pilot shortfall was predicted to cover within the next two to three years.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what target the Training Group Defence Agency set for into productive service multi-engine pilots for 2001; and how many went into service in 2000–01. [2698]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 10 July 2001]: Against an Into Productive Service target of 55 for multi-engine pilots in the RAF, a total of 57 entered service in 2000–01.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the lack of RAF flying personnel staying on past the 38/16 point will have on the supply of pilots for multi-engine aircraft in each year up to 2012. [2700]
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 10 July 2001]: The number of pilots trained to fly multi-engine aircraft who leave the RAF at the age 38/16 years of service point is small. Last year 16 pilots (1.9 per cent. of trained strength on 1 April 2000) left the service at that point and although a small increase is forecast over the next five to six years, the rate is expected to return to current levels by 2007–08.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he last made of the likelihood of a shortage of junior (officer multi-engine aircraft pilots in the RAF from the end of 2001. [2699]
661W
§ Mr. Ingram[holding answer 10 July 2001]: The current assessment is as follows:
RAF multi-engine aircraft—junior officer pilot forecast shortfall Requirement Forecast strength Forecast surplus/shortfall 2001–02 568 586 +18 2002–03 571 580 +9 2003–04 580 575 -5 2004–05 593 563 -30 2005–06 603 552 -51 2006–07 600 543 -57 2007–08 608 538 -70 2008–09 586 539 -47 2009–10 585 542 -43 2010–11 574 549 -25 2011–12 571 555 -16 Addressing pilot shortfalls is a key priority for the Government and RAF and a number of initiatives are being undertaken to address this problem. These include the introduction of an in-service degree scheme to attract aircrew at a younger age, fully manning the RAF training systems, and the introduction of targeted financial incentives and the Linkup scheme to help improve retention. A comprehensive review of aircrew retention measures across the armed forces is also being undertaken and will report later this year, hopefully in time to influence the Armed Forces Pay Review Body's deliberations for their 2002 report.