§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects the training facilities for Apache helicopter pilots to be available; [153973]
(2) for what reasons training equipment is not available to train Apache helicopter pilots; [153975]
(3) when he expects there to be sufficient trained helicopter pilots available to enable the helicopters at RAF Shawbury to be put into front line service. [153976]
§ Mr. IngramTraining facilities for Apache helicopter pilots are already available and being utilised. The Army expects to achieve Initial Operating Capability in August 2004 and a task force capability based on nine Regiment Army Air Corps during spring 2005. The numbers of aircraft in storage will diminish progressively from mid 2004 through to autumn 2005.